Final answer:
In treating lead poisoning with edetate calcium disodium, the nurse should prioritize assessing the blood calcium level to prevent complications such as hypocalcemia from the chelation therapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a child is treated with edetate calcium disodium (Calcium EDTA) for lead poisoning, it is essential that the nurse assesses the patient's blood calcium level first. Calcium EDTA is a chelating agent that binds with lead to facilitate its excretion from the body. The use of this medication can affect serum calcium levels, potentially leading to hypocalcemia, as it can chelate and remove calcium along with lead. Monitoring blood calcium level is critical because calcium homeostasis is essential for various body functions including nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and blood coagulation.
Hypocalcemia, the state of low blood calcium levels, can result in adverse issues like problems with coagulation and muscle contractions. Therefore, it becomes essential to prioritize checking the blood calcium levels to prevent complications from the chelation therapy itself.