While caring for a client who is receiving Desferal (deferoxamine), the nurse notes the client's urine is reddish colored. Which of the following conclusions should the nurse draw?
A) There is a risk of hemolytic cystitis with this medication and the next dose should be held.
B) The client may be experiencing liver toxicity; the physician should be contacted to request laboratory analysis be done.
C) This is an expected and normal finding with the medication due to the excretion of iron.
D) The client may have a secondary urinary tract infection and a urinalysis should be sent.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Desferal is a medication used for iron chelation therapy to remove excess iron from the body in conditions such as thalassemia and hemochromatosis. Reddish-colored urine is an expected and normal finding with this medication due to the excretion of iron. There is no indication of hemolytic cystitis or liver toxicity, nor is there a need for a urinalysis to test for a secondary urinary tract infection. Holding the next dose of Desferal is not necessary as reddish-colored urine is an expected finding.

While Caring for a Client Who Is Receiving Desferal (Deferoxamine)