Health Promotion and Maintenance
26. A child is admitted for treatment of lead poisoning. A nurse recognizes that the priority nursing diagnosis for this child is:
Health Promotion and Maintenance
26. A child is admitted for treatment of lead poisoning. A nurse recognizes that the priority nursing diagnosis for this child is:
. Alteration in comfort related to abdominal pain.
. Alteration in nutrition related to pica.
. Pain related to chelation therapy.
. Alteration in neurologic functioning.
Test-Taking Tip
The question asks for the highest priority nursing diagnosis. Only one diagnosis leads to death, so it ranks as the top priority.
Content Area: Child Health, Poisoning; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Assessment; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Safe and Effective Care Environment/Management of Care/Establishing Priorities
Health Promotion and Maintenance
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Answer 1 is incorrect because, although the child may experience discomfort, the effects of lead on the central nervous system have a higher priority. Answer 2 is incorrect because, although the child may exhibit the symptom of pica, nutritional effects of lead poisoning are of a lesser priority than neurologic effects. Answer 3 is incorrect because, although the child may experience pain with injections of the chelating agent, the effects of lead on the central nervous system have a higher priority. Answer 4 is correct because the priority nursing diagnosis for this child is alteration in neurologic functioning due to the effects of lead on the central nervous system.