A nurse is assisting in the care of a 3-year-old preschool child who has extreme manifestations of lead poisoning. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first?

A. Schedule the child for a follow-up blood test to monitor lead levels over the coming weeks. While ongoing monitoring is important, it is not the immediate priority in a child with extreme lead poisoning. Immediate intervention is needed to manage acute symptoms and prevent further complications. B. Provide supportive care to manage common symptoms of nausea and pain. This is the correct first action. Severe lead poisoning can cause neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain, vomiting, and irritability. Supportive care addresses these symptoms while preparing for further interventions like chelation therapy. C. Promote a balanced diet rich in calcium and iron to help mitigate lead absorption. Nutritional support is beneficial in mild to moderate cases, as calcium and iron reduce lead absorption, but it is not the first priority in extreme poisoning. Immediate medical treatment takes precedence. D. Notify the health department to investigate potential lead exposure sources. Identifying the source of lead exposure is crucial for long-term prevention, but in cases of severe poisoning, immediate medical care is the priority before environmental interventions.