A nurse is assessing a toddler who has suspected lead poisoning. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect the client to manifest with acute lead poisoning?

A. Place the infant in an infant seat for 2 hours following the procedure. There is no specific need to place the infant in an infant seat for 2 hours following a lumbar puncture. After the procedure, the infant should be positioned comfortably and safely, but there is no requirement for a specific duration in an infant seat.

B. Hold the infant's chin to his chest and knees to his abdomen during the procedure. This positioning is not appropriate for a lumbar puncture. The correct positioning for a lumbar puncture involves having the infant in a lateral recumbent (side-lying) position with knees flexed up toward the chest, allowing the spine to be flexed and creating space between the vertebrae for the needle insertion.

C. Keep the infant NPO for 6 hours prior to the procedure. Keeping the infant NPO (nothing by mouth) for 6 hours prior to the procedure is not necessary for a lumbar puncture. Infants can continue breastfeeding or formula feeding as usual before the procedure. However, if sedation or anesthesia is planned for the procedure, specific fasting guidelines may apply depending on institutional protocols and the infant's age and health status.

D. Apply a eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine cream topically 15 minutes prior to the procedure. This is the correct choice. Applying a eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine cream topically before the procedure helps to numb the skin and reduce pain at the site of the lumbar puncture. It is a standard practice to minimize discomfort for the infant during the procedure.

A. Imaginary playmates:

Toddlers typically do not engage in activities involving imaginary playmates. This behavior is more common in preschool-aged children.

B. Erikson's stage of initiative versus guilt:

Erikson's stage of initiative versus guilt occurs during the preschool years, typically around ages 3 to 5. It involves children developing a sense of initiative to take on new tasks and challenges, balanced with feelings of guilt if they are overly criticized or restricted.

C. Negative behaviors characterized by the need for autonomy:

This is the correct answer. Toddlers are in Erikson's stage of autonomy versus shame and doubt. During this stage, which typically occurs between the ages of 1 and 3, toddlers strive to gain independence and autonomy. They may exhibit negative behaviors, such as temper tantrums or defiance, as they assert their independence and explore their environment.

D. Demonstrations of sexual curiosity:

Demonstrations of sexual curiosity typically emerge later in childhood, around the preschool years or later. Toddlers are not typically focused on sexual curiosity during this stage of development.