Final answer:
Elderly clients have a high risk of accidental poisoning due to medication misuse, while school-age children are at risk due to behaviors like mouthing objects and greater physiological susceptibility to toxins like lead.
Step-by-step explanation:
Both elderly clients and school-age children are at different risks for accidental poisoning due to various factors. Elderly individuals are at a higher risk because of the increased use of prescription medications, as indicated by a drug survey showing a rise in prescription medication use among senior citizens. Additionally, the cognitive and physiological changes that come with aging can lead to improper use of these substances. School-age children, on the other hand, exhibit behaviors such as mouthing objects, leading to potential exposure to toxins like lead, which is particularly harmful at this developmental stage due to the higher absorption rate in their growing bodies.
For elderly clients, accidental poisoning can result from long-term low-level exposure to substances like pesticides or a lack of understanding about proper medication usage. School-age children face risks from different sources, such as lead paint in older homes or toys, and exhibit behaviors that can increase their exposure to these hazardous substances. Understanding the unique vulnerabilities at each stage of life, from toddlers, school-age children, to senior citizens, is key in preventing and managing accidental poisoning. Medical professionals routinely screen children for lead toxicity and advise families on how to limit exposure, while the elderly may need help managing their medication to prevent accidental misuse.