T2-Lead Poisoning

Question 1

What is another term used for lead poisoning?

Answer 1

Plumbism

Question 2

Lead poisoning is defined as an ingestion of a sufficiently elevated levels of lead (____) to cause neurologic and intellectual damage

Answer 2

10 mg/dL or greater

Question 3

What is one of the most important risk factors for lead poisoning?

Answer 3

AGE

Question 4

What age group is the most susceptible to lead poisoning?

Answer 4

12-36 months

Question 5

What is a characteristic of children that make them susceptible to lead poisoning?

Answer 5

Developmental they have achieved the necessary motor milestones to independently explore their environment

Question 6

Other risk factors:

1. Receive ____ than infants
2. Higher frequency of ___ activity than children at other ages
3. Absorb lead more efficiently though GI tract (__%) as compared to adults (10%)
4. More vulnerable stage of __ & ___ development

Answer 6

1. LESS supervision than infants
2. Higher frequency of HAND-TO-MOUTH activity than other children
3. Absorb 50%
4. Cognitive and neurological development

Question 7

Another risk factor is poverty. Why is this a risk factor?

Answer 7

1. Poverty living conditions may be older dwellings with lead-based paint
2. Diet may lack calcium, iron, protein, and zinc, which would INCREASE the absorption of lead and may INCREASE vulnerability to its adverse effects
3. May be more likely to have an empty stomach, which would INCREASE absorption of lead

Question 8

What are some common clinical manifestations of lead poisoning?

Answer 8

• Anemia
• Fever or UNKNOWN origin
• Behavior changes
• Signs of encephalopathy (convulsions)
• Mental retardation

Question 9

What can lead poisoning cause in a child?

Answer 9

• Neuro problems
• Decreased IQ
• Behavior problems
• Anemia
• School difficulties

Question 10

The removal of lead from circulation and from storage in some of the body organs and tissues

Answer 10

Chelation therapy