Final answer:
When administering chelation therapy for lead poisoning, nurses should be vigilant for the side effect of hypocalcemia. Besides lead, chelation can disrupt essential metals like zinc and magnesium, necessitating careful monitoring.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should be alert for the side effect of hypocalcemia when caring for a 2-year-old child who is being treated for lead poisoning by chelation therapy. Chelation therapy involves the administration of chelating agents, such as dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), which bind to heavy metals in the body and facilitate their excretion. While this treatment is effective at lowering toxic metal levels, chelation therapy can also disrupt the balance of essential metals, such as calcium, potentially leading to hypocalcemia. It's vital to monitor patients for symptoms like muscle cramps or spasms, which can indicate a drop in blood calcium levels.
Other important metals that could be disrupted by chelation therapy include zinc and magnesium. These metals play crucial roles in a host of biological processes, and their depletion through chelation could result in negative health effects. Hence, while chelation therapy is a valuable tool in treating metal poisoning, it requires careful monitoring to avoid unintended side effects like hypocalcemia.