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

Key concepts

Chelation Therapy in Lead Poisoning

Chelation therapy is a medical procedure specifically used to remove heavy metals, like lead, from the body. By definition, it relies on chelating agents, which are chemical compounds that bind to heavy metals.
This binding process forms a complex that is easier for the body to expel, usually through the urine.

For instance, in cases of lead poisoning, the agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) play a crucial role.
When these agents bind to lead, they help in reducing the concentration of the metal in the blood, thereby lessening its toxic effects and protecting the organs.

• EDTA has been frequently used for decades and is often administered via an intravenous line
• DMSA, which can be taken orally, is generally preferred for outpatient treatment

While this therapy is quite effective, it is worth noting that chelation therapy must be carried out under strict medical supervision to avoid potential side effects and to ensure proper dosing.

Pediatric Nursing and Lead Poisoning

Pediatric nursing involves specialized care practices tailored to the unique needs of children, especially in cases of lead poisoning.
Nurses play a vital role in the management and treatment of young patients exposed to lead.

The nursing care plan often includes education and counseling, not only for the young patient but for their families as well.
Key responsibilities of pediatric nurses in such scenarios involve

• Monitoring the child's vital signs and assessing symptoms continuously
• Administering treatments, such as chelation therapy, precisely as per medical orders
• Educating the family about the dangers of lead exposure, prevention methods, and lead-safe practices in the home

This education is particularly crucial as prevention and early intervention can significantly impact the child's recovery and future health outcomes.

Toxicology Education for Lead Exposure

Toxicology education is essential for understanding the risks and management processes involved in lead exposure.
It encompasses the study and training on how hazardous substances, like lead, affect people's health.

Educators and healthcare professionals use toxicology principles to inform treatment protocols and preventive strategies against poisoning.
Incorporated into medical education, toxicology helps highlight several critical areas

• Understanding the sources of lead exposure, such as old paint, contaminated soil, and certain pipes
• Recognition of symptoms that indicate lead poisoning, such as developmental delays and learning difficulties in children
• Promotion of awareness programs to prevent exposure, including regulations on public health safety

Toxicology education thus serves not only to inform treatment but also to prevent incidents of lead exposure through public awareness and health safety regulations.