An infant is experiencing dyspnea related to patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The nurse understands dyspnea occurs because blood

Option A, "Fatigue," is a symptom of anemia but is not a long-term complication associated with Thalassemia major.

Option B, "Deferoxamine usage," is a treatment to manage iron overload and not a complication associated with Thalassemia major.

Option C, "Immunosuppressive therapy," is not typically used to manage Thalassemia major and is not a long-term complication but rather a potential treatment for certain cases of thalassemia.

Option D. Hemochromatosis/Hemosiderosis

Thalassemia major is a genetic disorder that results in the body's inability to produce enough hemoglobin, leading to severe anemia.

To manage this condition, frequent blood transfusions are required, which can lead to iron overload in the body. Excess iron gets deposited in various organs and tissues, causing damage.

Hemochromatosis or hemosiderosis is a condition characterized by the accumulation of iron in organs like the liver, heart, and endocrine glands, which can result from repeated blood transfusions.

The complications associated with iron overload include liver damage, heart problems, diabetes, and more. Treatment with iron chelating agents like deferoxamine is often necessary to remove excess iron from the body.

A. Insulin is responsible for lowering blood glucose levels by promoting the uptake and storage of glucose in cells.

B. Epinephrine (adrenaline) can raise blood glucose levels in response to the "fight or flight" stress response, but it's not primarily responsible for stimulating liver glycogenolysis.

C. Glucagon is produced by the alpha cells in the islets of Langerhans and plays a crucial role in increasing blood glucose levels. It promotes the breakdown of glycogen (glycogenolysis) in the liver and the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources (gluconeogenesis).

D. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol, which can also contribute to raising blood glucose levels but isn't primarily responsible for liver glycogenolysis.

In the context of diabetes management, understanding the role of glucagon is important because it helps individuals know how to manage hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) by administering glucagon or consuming fast-acting sources of glucose.