A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative placement of a halo vest to manage a cervical vertebral fracture.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Question 1: The correct answer is Choice c. Perform developmental testing for delays.

Lead poisoning can lead to cognitive, behavioral, and developmental impairments, making developmental testing crucial for assessing potential delays and planning interventions. Developmental testing allows healthcare providers to identify any areas of concern early on, enabling them to implement appropriate interventions to support the child's development and mitigate the effects of lead poisoning.

Choice A rationale: Obtaining a stool specimen for lead levels is not the appropriate action in this scenario. Lead poisoning is typically assessed through blood lead levels, not stool specimens. Stool specimens are more commonly used for assessing gastrointestinal issues or infections rather than lead levels.

Choice B rationale: Initiating a low-iron diet for lead absorption is not recommended. Iron deficiency can actually increase lead absorption in the body, so reducing iron intake could potentially exacerbate the issue. Instead, ensuring an adequate intake of iron-rich foods may be beneficial for overall health but is not a primary intervention for lead poisoning.

Choice D rationale: Inspecting the skin for discoloration is not a relevant action for assessing lead poisoning. While lead poisoning can manifest in various symptoms, skin discoloration is not typically associated with lead exposure. Other signs and symptoms such as cognitive, behavioral, and developmental impairments are more indicative of lead poisoning.

Choice A rationale

Aspartame is a low-calorie sweetener used in place of sugar. However, it is not recommended for individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) because it contains phenylalanine, an amino acid that individuals with PKU cannot metabolize properly.

Choice B rationale

Individuals with PKU are advised to avoid foods containing milk products. This is because milk and other

dairy products contain phenylalanine, which individuals with PKU cannot metabolize properly. Instead, they are advised to consume a diet low in protein and supplemented with a phenylalanine-free medical formula.

Choice C rationale

Increasing protein consumption is not recommended for individuals with PKU. This is because protein-rich foods often contain phenylalanine, an amino acid that individuals with PKU cannot metabolize properly.

Instead, they are advised to consume a diet low in protein and supplemented with a phenylalanine-free medical formula.

Choice D rationale

Limiting foods high in iron is not specifically related to the dietary management of PKU. Individuals with PKU primarily need to avoid foods high in phenylalanine.