20. A nurse is counseling a group of parents of young children regarding the prevention of iron poisoning. The nurse should correctly inform the parents to:
20. A nurse is counseling a group of parents of young children regarding the prevention of iron poisoning. The nurse should correctly inform the parents to:
. Not purchase multivitamins that contain iron.
. Not purchase iron tablets that look like candy.
. Keep the tablets in a high place.
. Keep syrup of ipecac in a locket medicine cabinet.
Test-Taking Tip
Focus on the "don't buy" options here and select the simple obvious (candy) answer. Children cannot correctly differentiate between substances. Therefore, remove any substance that the child might identify as "OK" but would present a danger.
Content Area: Child Health, Poisoning; Integrated Process: Teaching and Learning; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Safe and Effective Care Environment/Safety and Infection Control/Error Prevention
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Answer 1 is incorrect because it is not reasonable or realistic. Many young children will require multivitamins that contain iron. The key is to prevent the young child from gaining access to the iron tablets, rather than to not purchase the required medication. Answer 2 is correct because iron tablets resemble candy (e.g., M&Ms) and present a special temptation to a young child who cannot differentiate between medication and candy. Answer 3 is incorrect because the parents should be informed of the need to keep the tablets in a high place that is also locked. A curious young child can access even high places if given enough time to do so. Answer 4 is incorrect because syrup of ipecac (a powerful emetic) is no longer recommended as a poison intervention in the home (American Academy of Child Health, 2003). One reason for this is the increased number of medications for which inducing emesis is contraindicated; another is the possibility of abuse by individuals with eating disorders.