Question

A mother of a 3-year-old hospitalized with lead poisoning asks the nurse to explain the treatment for her daughter. The nurse's explanation is based on the knowledge that lead poisoning is treated with: A. Gastric lavage B. Chelating agents C. Antiemetics D. Activated charcoal

Short answer

Answer: Chelating agents.

Step-by-step solution

Option A: Gastric Lavage

Gastric lavage is a procedure that involves removing the contents of the stomach by inserting a tube through the mouth or nose. This treatment method is used for certain cases of poisoning, but it is not the primary treatment for lead poisoning.

Option B: Chelating Agents

Chelating agents work by binding to lead in the body and facilitating its removal through urine. This helps reduce the toxic effects of lead on the body's organs. Examples of chelating agents used in treating lead poisoning include ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA). Chelation therapy is the primary treatment for lead poisoning.

Option C: Antiemetics

Antiemetics are medications used to treat and prevent nausea and vomiting. Although these medications may help alleviate some symptoms of lead poisoning, they do not target the underlying cause or reduce lead levels in the body.

Option D: Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is an emergency treatment for certain types of poisoning and drug overdoses because it binds to the toxic substances and prevents their absorption by the body. However, activated charcoal does not effectively bind to and remove lead, so it is not the primary treatment for lead poisoning. After analyzing all options, we can conclude that the correct treatment for a 3-year-old patient with lead poisoning is chelation therapy, which involves the use of chelating agents. Therefore, the correct answer is: B. Chelating agents