A nurse is caring for a client who has cervical cancer and a sealed radiation implant.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A.
Attach a dosimeter badge to the client’s gown.
B.
Move the client’s soiled linens to a designated container outside the room.
C.
Leave unused equipment in the client’s room until discharge.
D.
Place long-handed forceps at the client’s bedside.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is D. Place long-handed forceps at the client’s bedside.
Explanation:
When caring for a client with a sealed radiation implant, specific safety protocols are crucial to minimize exposure to radiation for both the healthcare staff and other patients. A sealed radiation implant emits radiation; thus, careful handling and specific precautions must be taken.
A. Attach a dosimeter badge to the client’s gown.
This option is incorrect because the dosimeter badge is meant for healthcare workers to monitor their radiation exposure, not for the patient. The client should be monitored through established safety protocols but not with a badge attached to their gown.
B. Move the client’s soiled linens to a designated container outside the room.
This action is inappropriate. Soiled linens should be handled according to facility protocols for contaminated materials. The nurse should avoid moving linens out of the room to minimize potential radiation exposure to others. Instead, they should be placed in a designated container within the room.
C. Leave unused equipment in the client’s room until discharge.
Leaving unused equipment in the room poses a risk, as it may become contaminated or could be a source of unnecessary radiation exposure for other staff or patients. Equipment that is not in use should be removed from the client’s room promptly.
D. Place long-handed forceps at the client’s bedside.
This is the correct action. Long-handed forceps provide a safe means for the nurse to handle the radiation implant if necessary. This ensures that the nurse can maintain a safe distance from the source of radiation while being prepared to manage the implant appropriately if any complications arise, such as dislodgment. Having the forceps at the bedside helps ensure prompt and safe intervention while adhering to radiation safety guidelines.
In conclusion, the nurse’s actions must prioritize safety for both the client and the healthcare team while adhering to strict protocols in the context of sealed radiation therapy.