Health Promotion and Maintenance
20. A nurse prepares to administer a chelating agent to a child with lead poisoning. Which laboratory tests should be obtained prior to the administration of this agent?
Health Promotion and Maintenance
20. A nurse prepares to administer a chelating agent to a child with lead poisoning. Which laboratory tests should be obtained prior to the administration of this agent?
Test-Taking Tip
First consider the organ system best represented by the laboratory tests. If kidney function is of primary importance, the best response is the test that best demonstrates normal functioning.
Content Area: Child Health, Poisoning; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Analysis; Cognitive Level: Analysis; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Reduction of Risk Potential/Laboratory Values
Health Promotion and Maintenance
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Answer 1 is correct because the chelating agent binds with lead and is excreted by the kidneys; therefore, normal kidney function should be established beforehand; blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine provide the best evidence of function. Answer 2 is incorrect because these laboratory tests would provide evidence of liver and not kidney function. Answer 3 is incorrect because urine specific gravity is not a specific test of kidney function. Answer 4 is incorrect because a complete blood count (CBC) is not a specific test of kidney function.
