Final answer:
A nurse should schedule chelation therapy for lead poisoning when blood lead levels are above 40-45 μg/dL. Chelating agents like dimercaprol and succimer are used, and important metals such as zinc and iron could be disrupted by chelation. Prevention of heavy metal poisoning is essential through dietary choices and reducing exposure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chelation therapy, a medical procedure that involves the administration of chelating agents to remove heavy metals from the body, is recommended for lead poisoning when blood lead levels are above certain thresholds. According to health guidelines, a nurse should schedule chelation therapy for blood lead levels that exceed 40-45 micrograms per deciliter (μg/dL). The treatments commonly used include chelating agents such as dimercaprol, edetate calcium disodium, and succimer. As chelation therapy can disrupt the balance of essential metals in the body, such as calcium and magnesium, it is important that it is considered carefully and used appropriately under medical supervision.
Some biologically important metals that could be disrupted by chelation therapy include zinc and iron. These are essential for various bodily functions, and their levels can be inadvertently affected by the chelation process, leading to potential deficiencies or imbalances.
Proper prevention strategies are also critical, and they include removing sources of exposure and adhering to regulations that reduce lead content in products and the environment. Eating a diet low in mercury and avoiding unnecessary exposure to mercury are also parts of prevention.