A nurse is reinforcing teaching to the parents of a school-age child about palliative care. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

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.

A. Incorporating traditional housing practices that were introduced to the nurse by another child's parents of Asian descent last month. Assuming that all families of Asian descent share the same cultural beliefs or practices ignores individual and regional differences. Each family has unique traditions and preferences that should be discussed directly with them.

B. Assuming that since the child's parents have brought the child to a hospital that practices Western medicine, traditional healing practices are not important to their culture. Seeking Western medical care does not mean that a family has abandoned their cultural beliefs or traditional healing practices. Many families integrate both Western and traditional approaches to healthcare.

C. Asking the child's parents if they use any traditional healing practices that the healthcare team should be aware of. This is the correct answer because it respects cultural diversity and allows the parents to share relevant information. Open-ended questions about cultural practices help incorporate family preferences into the child’s care while ensuring safe and effective treatment.

D. Providing the same care to this child as they would provide to every other child they provide care to. While consistent quality care is important, culturally competent care recognizes individual differences and respects each family’s beliefs and preferences. A one-size-fits-all approach fails to acknowledge cultural diversity in healthcare.