Question

A nurse in a provider's office is caring for an 18-month-old toddler who has a blood level of 3 mcg/dL. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Reassure the parents that the blood level is within the normal range
B. Educate the parents on the importance of a diet rich in iron
C. Schedule a follow-up blood test in one month
D. Assess the child's environment for potential lead exposure

Answer 1

The nurse should assess the child's environment for potential lead exposure, as a blood lead level of 3 mcg/dL in an 18-month-old toddler is a cause for concern.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the case of an 18-month-old toddler with a blood lead level of 3 mcg/dL, the suggested action by the nurse should be to assess the child's environment for potential lead exposure. This recommendation is due to the fact that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has set the upper limit for blood lead for children at 5 mcg/dL. It is important to control and eliminate the sources of lead exposure, which can include lead-based paint, dust from peeling and cracking paint, and water from lead pipes. Additionally, it is also critical to ensure that children have a diet rich in nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamin C, which can help protect the body against the damaging effects of lead.