Lead Poisoning Assignment
NURS 232
Use the textbook to answer the following questions – information can be
found in both Chapter 9, pp. 233-234 and chapter 24, pp. 867-868.
Additional information may be found in Lippincott Advisor>Lexicomp and
Up-to-Date Patient Handouts: Lead Poisoning. (Assignment worth 10 pts
total).
1. What is a safe lead level? What is considered an elevated lead level?
There is no safe lead level since low levels can have negative effects
on their development. An elevated level is 5 mcg/dL or higher
2. Which of the following nutrients should be increased in children’s diet
to decrease the absorption of lead by the body? (Select all that apply).
a. Sodium
b. Calcium
c. Potassium
d. Magnesium
e. Iron
f. Vitamin C
3. List 5 sources of lead for children.
Contaminated soil, lead-based paint, dust, imported goods, and water
pipes/plumbing.
4. At what lead level would the health care provider initiate chelation
therapy?
a. Less than 5 mcg/dl
b. 5-14 mcg/dl
c. 15-44 mcg/dl
d. greater than 44 mcg/dl
5. Risk assessments for lead exposure should begin at what age?
a. 6 months
b. 18 months
c. 4 years
d. 6 years
6. Which of the following are signs or symptoms of lead poisoning?
(Select all that apply).
a. Delays in growth
b. Difficulty concentrating
c. Clumsiness
d. Hypoglycemia
e. Headaches
f. Seizures
7. Describe why younger children are at higher risk of lead poisoning?
Engage in hand-to-mouth behavior, they are still developing, absorb lead more
easily, metabolism isn’t as efficient with eliminating lead from the body, and they
have an increased exposure rate due to staying mostly indoors.
8. Which of the following would indicate an increased risk for lead
poisoning? (Select all that apply).
a. Live in home built after 1978.
b. Children whose parent works in a factory that manufactures
batteries.
c. Children who may be exposed to older painted toys.
d. Exposed to water that is supplied through lead pipes.
e. Eat a diet containing iron-rich foods
9. A child’s lead level at 1 year of age is 18 mcg/dl. Which of the
following would be the most appropriate nursing action to take?
(Select all that apply).
a. Repeat the lead level in 1 year.
b. Educate parents on ways to decrease lead exposure for their
child.
c. Confirm the level with a repeat test in 1-4 weeks.
d. Notify physician for consideration of starting chelation therapy.
e. Report to local health authorities for surveillance.
10.
Which of the following is the best way to eliminate a significant
source of lead for many children?
a. Only use bottled water in cooking.
b. Remove old paint from the home.
c. Only allow the child to play with plastic toys.
d. Ensure the child drinks plenty of water every day.