Question

The nurse is caring for the client with a 5 -year-old diagnosed with plumbism. Which information in the health history is most likely related to the development of plumbism? A. The client has traveled out of the country in the last 6 months. B. The client's parents are skilled stained-glass artists. C. The client lives in a house built in 1990. D. The client has several brothers and sisters.

Short answer

A. Traveling out of the country B. Parents being skilled stained-glass artists C. Living in a house built in 1990 D. Having several brothers and sisters Answer: B. Parents being skilled stained-glass artists

Step-by-step solution

List risk factors for lead exposure

Lead exposure can occur from various sources such as old houses with lead-based paint, certain occupations, or hobbies involving lead, and travel to countries with inadequate regulations on lead. The most common source is typically lead-based paint in older homes.

Evaluate the options

A. Traveling out of the country could potentially increase the risk of lead exposure, but it is not specifically mentioned where the client traveled or whether they were exposed to lead during their travels. B. Skilled stained-glass artists often use lead in their work, so it is likely that the client's parents have been exposed to lead and potentially brought it home, increasing the risk for the client. C. A house built in 1990 is not likely to have lead-based paint, as it was banned in the US in 1978. Therefore, this option is less likely to be the cause of plumbism. D. Having several brothers and sisters does not directly increase the risk of lead exposure unless they are also involved in activities or occupations that expose them to lead.

Choose the most likely option

Based on the risk factors and the information provided in the options, the most likely cause of the client's plumbism is option B, as the client's parents are skilled stained-glass artists who may have exposed the client to lead.

Key concepts

Lead Exposure Risk Factors

Understanding the risk factors associated with lead exposure, or plumbism, is crucial for preventing and managing lead poisoning, especially in children. Plumbism can have significant neurological impacts, and its symptoms can be subtle yet harmful.

Lead exposure primarily comes from environments where lead is present in high amounts. This can include old homes with peeling lead-based paint, and soil contaminated by past use of leaded gasoline or industrial pollution. Occupational exposure can also be a risk factor; jobs such as battery manufacturing, painting, and repair work can expose individuals to lead. Hobbies that involve soldering, such as stained-glass creation, also pose a risk. Lead can be inadvertently ingested via contaminated dust on hands or clothing.

In a pediatric context, children are especially vulnerable due to their developing nervous systems and the tendency to put objects in their mouths, which may be covered in lead dust. In homes or environments where adults engage in high-risk hobbies or occupations, cross-contamination is a concern, and young ones may become secondary victims of lead exposure.

Preventive measures include regular screening in high-risk populations, avoiding the use of lead-based products, and ensuring that living environments are free from lead-based paint, particularly in homes built before the 1978 ban in the US.

NCLEX-PN Exam Preparation

The NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses) exam is a crucial step for nursing students to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs). A comprehensive understanding of nursing concepts, including pediatric care and the management of conditions like plumbism, is essential for success on this exam.

To prepare effectively, students should focus on several strategies. Firstly, studying from reliable sources that cover a broad spectrum of nursing topics is paramount. Engaging with study groups, using flashcards, and taking practice quizzes can enhance recall and test-taking skills. Time management and understanding the exam format, which includes multiple-choice and alternate format questions, can help reduce anxiety and improve performance.

Moreover, paying attention to pediatric nursing content during exam preparation is especially important as it is a significant component of the exam. Reviewing case studies similar to those mentioned in the textbook exercise about plumbism, and understanding the various risk factors for diseases, are methods that can assist in scoring well on pediatric questions.

Pediatric Nursing

Pediatric nursing is a specialized field that involves the care of infants, children, and adolescents. Nurses in this field must possess a deep understanding of the unique physiological and psychological needs of this population. They also need to be aware of the specific health risks that children face, like lead exposure, and be adept at communicating with both young patients and their families.

When it comes to conditions such as plumbism, pediatric nurses must often take on an educative role, advising parents on how to minimize risks and identify symptoms of lead poisoning. Moreover, nurses must be familiar with the legal regulations surrounding lead usage and the resources available for families affected by lead exposure. Interventions can include chelation therapy for diagnosed cases, advocating for environmental assessments, and supporting community education to prevent new cases.

Working closely with pediatricians and other healthcare professionals, pediatric nurses play an integral role in the health and development of children. They must stay informed of the latest health trends and treatment protocols, ensuring all-encompassing care and vigilance in the detection and treatment of childhood diseases like plumbism.