1. The client/caregiver can define lead poisoning.
    1. Lead poisoning is the result of exposure to lead in the environment.
    2. Children are more susceptible to the negative effects of lead.
    3. Lead can accumulate and damage the nervous system. This may result in lower intelligence and problems with school.
    4. Most exposure to lead is from lead pipes and lead-based paint in older homes.
  2. The client/caregiver can list signs and symptoms of lead poisoning.
    1. Lead poisoning is a gradual build up and symptoms may not appear until levels reach a dangerous level.
    2. Symptoms in children may be
      • Irritability
      • Loss of appetite
      • Weight loss
      • Abdominal pain
      • Vomiting
      • Constipation
      • Sluggishness
      • Paleness
      • Learning difficulties
    3. Symptoms for adults include these plus
      • Pain, numbness, or tingling of the extremities
      • Muscular weakness
      • Headache
      • Memory loss
      • Mood disorders
      • Reduced sperm count
  3. The client/caregiver can list causes or sources of lead poisoning.
    1. High levels of lead are in soil as a result of gasoline or paint with lead being disposed of improperly.
    2. Prior to 1980, lead pipes, copper pipes, brass plumbing, and solder were used and could allow lead to release into tap water.Now theses products are restricted. The Environmental Protection Act recommends not making baby formula with tap water from old plumbing systems.
    3. In 1978, lead-based paints used in homes, children’s toys, and furniture were banned. Lead-based paint may still remain on walls and woodwork in older homes.
    4. Dust can contain lead from chipped paint or soil from outside.
    5. Imported canned foods may still have been sealed by lead solder.
    6. Read labels to avoid lead in cosmetics or complementary remedies.
  4. The client/caregiver can list possible complications from lead poisoning.
    1. Complications for children include
      • Nervous system and kidney damage
      • Learning disabilities
      • Speech, language, and behavior problems
      • Poor muscle coordination
      • Decreased muscle and bone growth
      • Hearing damage
      • Seizures
    2. Complications for adults include
      • High blood pressure
      • Digestive or nerve disorders
      • Cataracts
      • Memory and concentration problems
      • Muscle and joint problems
      • Pregnancy complications (miscarriage, preterm delivery, and still birth)
      • Damage to sperm production
  5. The client/caregiver can list measures to prevent lead poisoning.
    1. Have a professional check your home for lead.
    2. Wash children’s hands after they play outside and before eating and going to bed.
    3. Clean floors with wet mop, and wipe furniture, windowsills, and dusty surfaces.
    4. Restrict where your children play.
    5. Make sure child’s diet is high in iron and calcium (reduces lead absorption).
    6. Run cold water for over a minute before using.
    7. Fix surfaces with peeling or chipping paint. H. If doing remodeling or work in an older house:
      1. Wear protective equipment and clothing.
      2. Do not eat or drink in area where lead dust is present.
      3. Do not remove lead paint by sanding.
      4. Do not use open-flame torch or heat guns to remove paint.

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Lead Paint Prevention Programwww.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/
Consumer Product Safety Commission: Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Homewww.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/426.html
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Lead in Paint, Dust, and Soilwww.epa.gov/opptintr/lead/index.html

References

Ackley, B. J., & Ladwig, G. B. (2006). Nursing diagnosis handbook: A guide to planning care. St. Louis: Mosby Inc.Cohen, B. J., & Taylor, J. J. (2005). Memmler’s the human body in health and disease (10th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.Hunt, R. 2005. Introduction to community based nursing. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.Maternal-neonatal nursing: Lippincott manual of nursing practice pocket guides. (2007). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.Novak, J. C., & Broom, B. L. (1999). Maternal and child health nursing. St. Louis: Mosby, Inc.Taylor, C., Lillis, C., & LeMone, P. (2005). Fundamentals of nursing. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.

Credits

Client Teaching Guides for Home Health Care, 2nd ed.© 2008 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc.www.jbpub.com

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