A 12-month-old client has a high blood lead level of 18 mcg/dL (0.87 µmol/L). The nurse educates the parents about lead poisoning. Which statements made by the parent indicate that teaching is successful? Select all that apply.

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Lead poisoning occurs from repeated lead exposure, either via ingestion of lead-based paints (eg, walls, toys), glazes (eg, pottery) or water from lead pipes, or by inhalation of contaminated dust or soil found around older homes. Elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) impair neural, blood, and renal development. A BLL screening is recommended between ages 1 and 2, or up to age 6 if the child was not previously screened. Clients with elevated BLLs (≥5 mcg/dL [0.24 µmol/L]) require follow-up blood work to ensure that levels decrease (Option E). Chelation therapy may be required if levels remain elevated. The priority intervention for clients with elevated BLLs is preventing continued exposure. The home environment should be assessed for lead sources (Option A). Pediatric and pregnant clients should not live in homes being renovated until the work is complete. Handwashing, especially before eating, is important to remove lead residue (Option C). (Option B) Vacuuming spreads lead dust in the air, which increases inhalation exposure. Hard surfaces should be wet-dusted or mopped at least weekly. (Option D) Hot tap water dissolves lead from older pipes; therefore, cold water should be used for consumption if lead plumbing is present. Taps should be flushed for several minutes to clear out contaminated water before use. Educational objective: Pediatric clients are at risk for lead poisoning from environmental exposure in the home (eg, paint, dust, plumbing). Clients with elevated blood lead levels require monitoring. Lead sources in the home should be removed or mitigated (eg, handwashing, wet-dusting/mopping) to prevent further exposure.

A 12-Month-Old Client Has a High Blood Lead Level of 18