A nurse is assisting in the care of a 3-year-old preschool child who has extreme manifestations of lead poisoning. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first?
Schedule the child for a follow-up blood test to monitor lead levels over the coming weeks.
Provide supportive care to manage common symptoms of nausea and pain.
Promote a balanced diet rich in calcium and iron to help mitigate the lead absorption.
Notify the health department to investigate potential lead exposure sources.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Schedule the child for a follow-up blood test to monitor lead levels over the coming weeks. While ongoing monitoring is important, it is not the immediate priority in a child with extreme lead poisoning. Immediate intervention is needed to manage acute symptoms and prevent further complications.
B. Provide supportive care to manage common symptoms of nausea and pain. This is the correct first action. Severe lead poisoning can cause neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain, vomiting, and irritability. Supportive care addresses these symptoms while preparing for further interventions like chelation therapy.
C. Promote a balanced diet rich in calcium and iron to help mitigate lead absorption. Nutritional support is beneficial in mild to moderate cases, as calcium and iron reduce lead absorption, but it is not the first priority in extreme poisoning. Immediate medical treatment takes precedence.
D. Notify the health department to investigate potential lead exposure sources. Identifying the source of lead exposure is crucial for long-term prevention, but in cases of severe poisoning, immediate medical care is the priority before environmental interventions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "You should focus solely on cognitive development at home, as professional interventions are not effective for children with fragile X syndrome." This is incorrect. Professional interventions, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral therapy, are essential for supporting cognitive and social development in children with fragile X syndrome.
B. "Since your child has cognitive delays, you should avoid social activities that could overwhelm them and hinder their progress." Avoiding social activities can actually be harmful, as children with fragile X syndrome benefit from structured social interactions and support. Instead of avoidance, individualized strategies should be used to help the child participate comfortably.
C. "It's important to work with a multidisciplinary team to address your child's cognitive delays and support their development." This is correct. A multidisciplinary team, including special education teachers, therapists, and healthcare providers, helps ensure the child receives individualized support in cognitive, social, and communication skills.
D. "Cognitive delays in children with fragile X syndrome typically resolve on their own, so there is no need for specialized educational plans or therapies." Cognitive delays in fragile X syndrome do not resolve on their own. Early intervention and specialized education plans (e.g., IEPs) are crucial in maximizing the child’s potential.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Ask the parents to escort the child's sibling to the family lounge so they are not in the child's room. Removing the sibling from the room does not address their distress or emotional needs. Siblings of hospitalized children may experience fear, anxiety, or feelings of exclusion, and they need support, not isolation.
B. Consult the child life specialist to provide age-appropriate activities and emotional support to the sibling. Child life specialists are trained to help children understand and cope with hospitalization through play, education, and emotional support. They can help the sibling process their emotions in an age-appropriate way.
C. Provide the sibling with coloring pages and crayons to keep them occupied in the child's room. While coloring can be a helpful distraction, it does not address the sibling’s distress or provide the emotional support they may need to understand their sibling’s condition.
D. Offer the sibling a tour of the hospital unit to help them become more familiar with the environment. A tour may help the child feel more comfortable, but it does not directly address their distress or emotions regarding their sibling’s hospitalization.
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