Lead Poisoning Flashcards
Risk Factor of Lead Poisoning
Exposure to lead in home, school, or local environment
Sources of Lead Poisoning
- Paint in homes built before 1978
- Soil where cars that used leaded gas have been in the past
- Glazed pottery
- Stained Glass products
- Lead pipes supplying water to the home
- On the clothing of parents who work in certain manufacturing jobs (battery makers, cable makers)
- Certain folk remedies, such as greta or azarcon
- Old painted toys or furniture
Complications of Lead Poisoning
- Behavioral problems
- Learning difficulties
- Encephalopathy
- Seizures
- Brain damage
Signs and Symptoms of Lead Poisoning
- Anorexia
- Fatigue
- Abdominal Pain
- Headaches
- Inattentiveness
- Irritability
- Hyperactivity
- Decrease bone and muscle growth
- Poor muscle coordination
- Problems with language and speech
- Cognitive impairment
- Hearing Problems
- Seizures
Lead Poisoning Screening Recommendations
Perform a risk assessment at 6,9,12,18 and 24 months and 3,4,5,6 years. If positive, the decision may be made to evaluate blood lead level
Recommended Action:
1. <5 mcg/dL: repeat in 6-12 months if at high risk. Test at 1 and 2 years of age
2. 5-14: Repeat test in 1-3 months. Educate parents to decrease lead exposure. Repeat test again in 1-3 months
3. 15-44: Confirm with repeat test in 1-4 weeks. Educate parents to decrease lead exposure. Report to local health authorities for surveillance. Retest as above
4. >44: Begin chelation therapy and refer to the health department as above. Hospitalize child if level >69 and begin chelation therapy. Ensure lead is removed from the home
Nursing Interventions for Lead Poisoning
- Remove old paint is the best way to eliminate the most significant source of lead exposure
- Educate families about how to prevent exposure to lead
- If a child is undergoing chelation therapy:
> Ensure adequate fluid intake
> Monitor I&Os - Refer children with elevated lead levels and developmental or cognitive deficits to developmental centers
