The nurse is teaching parents at a community health fair about screening children for lead poisoning.
Which statement by the nurse is most appropriate?
The nurse is teaching parents at a community health fair about screening children for lead poisoning.
Which statement by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. “All children should be screened for lead poisoning starting at 6 months of age.”
[14%]
B. “Children should be tested for lead exposure at 3 years of age and then every year afterward.”
[8%]
C. “Universal screening for lead poisoning is recommended at 12 and 24 months of age.”
[43%]
D. “Routine lead testing is only needed if a child shows symptoms of lead toxicity.”
[35%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Child Health
Lesson
Infectious Disease
Client Need
Test Plan
Health Promotion and Maintenance
Related Topic
Health Screening
Item Type
Item Type
Application
Explanation
Choice C is correct. Universal blood lead screening is recommended at 12 and 24 months, especially in high-risk populations or areas with older housing or known lead exposure. This reflects national recommendations (e.g., CDC, AAP) and supports early identification before symptoms appear.
Choice A is incorrect. While lead risk assessment may begin as early as 6 months, blood screening is not routinely done until 12 months unless there is a high risk.
Choice B is incorrect. Screening after 3 years is not the initial recommendation; the critical window is earlier, during 12–24 months, when lead exposure risk is highest due to developmental behaviors.
Choice D is incorrect. Lead testing should not be based solely on symptoms, as lead poisoning is often asymptomatic in early stages and must be detected proactively.
Related Videos
2 Key Topics
Toddler Education & Immunizations
14.8 Toddler Growth and Development
Additional Info
✓ Lead poisoning occurs when lead accumulates in the body, often over months or years. Even small amounts can cause serious health problems, especially in children under age 6.
✓ Capillary blood lead level (BLL) test at 12 and 24 months for universal screening.
Early Signs (often subtle):
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Anorexia
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Developmental delays
Advanced Signs:
- Learning disabilities
- Behavioral problems
- Hearing loss
- Seizures
- Encephalopathy
- Growth delays
- Anemia
