A nurse is providing care to a 4-year-old preschooler who has suspected lead poisoning. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Prepare the child for venipuncture to obtain a blood sample for lead level testing.
Discuss the need for developmental assessments to evaluate the impact of lead exposure.
Document a detailed history of the child's growth and development, as well as manifestations of lead exposure.
Instruct the parents to remove peeling paint and clean dust in the home to reduce the risk of lead exposure.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Prepare the child for venipuncture to obtain a blood sample for lead level testing: Confirming suspected lead poisoning requires measurement of a venous blood lead level. This diagnostic step is the priority because it establishes exposure severity and guides further management, including environmental interventions and possible chelation therapy.
B. Discuss the need for developmental assessments to evaluate the impact of lead exposure: Developmental evaluation is important because lead exposure can cause cognitive and behavioral effects, but it is addressed after confirming the diagnosis and determining the extent of exposure.
C. Document a detailed history of the child's growth and development, as well as manifestations of lead exposure: A thorough history supports overall assessment, but it does not take priority over obtaining objective laboratory confirmation needed to direct immediate care decisions.
D. Instruct the parents to remove peeling paint and clean dust in the home to reduce the risk of lead exposure: Environmental control measures are essential, but education and remediation should follow confirmation of lead exposure and collaboration with public health resources.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Constantly reminding the child to stop scratching to prevent skin damage: Verbal reminders alone are ineffective in controlling pruritus in toddlers, as scratching is often involuntary and exacerbated by dry or irritated skin.
B. Applying topical moisturizers regularly to maintain skin hydration: Frequent use of emollients helps restore the skin barrier, reduces dryness, and prevents itching and flare-ups, which is a primary strategy in managing atopic dermatitis.
C. Administering oral antibiotics to prevent secondary infections from scratching: Antibiotics are only indicated if a secondary bacterial infection is present. Routine prophylactic use is unnecessary and does not prevent the initial skin irritation.
D. Preparing hot baths for the child to soothe the itching skin: Hot water can further dry and irritate the skin, worsening pruritus and increasing the risk of flare-ups. Lukewarm baths are recommended instead.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Apply cool water to the burn for up to 15 minutes, clean gently with mild soap daily, and manage pain with over-the-counter medications: For a superficial partial-thickness burn, immediate first aid with cool water reduces pain and limits tissue damage. Gentle daily cleansing and appropriate analgesia support healing and comfort.
B. Immediately administer IV fluids to prevent hypovolemia and monitor urine output: IV fluid resuscitation is necessary for extensive burns covering a significant body surface area, not for a minor superficial partial-thickness burn. Overhydration for a small burn is unnecessary and may cause complications.
C. Encourage sun exposure to the burn area to promote vitamin D synthesis and healing: Sun exposure can damage healing skin, increase the risk of scarring, and is contraindicated during acute burn recovery. Protection from ultraviolet light is recommended until the skin fully heals.
D. Prevent infection by keeping the burn clean and covered with a dry sterile dressing: While infection prevention is important, dry sterile dressings are typically used for deeper burns. Superficial partial-thickness burns benefit from gentle cleansing and sometimes moist or emollient dressings to promote epithelialization rather than solely dry coverage.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.