A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving brachytherapy for endometrial cancer.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A.
Place the client’s soiled bed linens in a biohazard bag outside the client’s room.
B.
Wear an isolation gown when caring for the client.
C.
Keep visitors at least 6 feet (1.8 m) away from the client.
D.
Discard the radioactive source in the client’s trash can.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: C. Keep visitors at least 6 feet (1.8 m) away from the client.
Brachytherapy is a type of internal radiation therapy where a radioactive source is placed inside or near the tumor. In endometrial cancer, this is done to deliver high doses of radiation directly to the cancerous tissue while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. Since brachytherapy involves a radioactive source, special precautions are necessary to protect both healthcare staff and visitors from radiation exposure.
Explanation:
- Radiation Safety Precautions: During brachytherapy, radiation can be emitted from the client’s body, posing a potential hazard to those nearby. To minimize exposure, visitors and healthcare personnel must follow certain safety protocols.
- Distance: Keeping a safe distance is crucial. Visitors should remain at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) away from the client. This reduces their exposure to radiation, as the intensity of radiation diminishes with distance. Time and distance are two key factors in reducing radiation exposure risk.
- Limiting Time of Exposure: Visitors and healthcare workers should spend minimal time near the client. A general rule is to keep interactions brief and necessary to reduce cumulative radiation exposure.
- Incorrect Options:
- A. Place the client’s soiled bed linens in a biohazard bag outside the client’s room: Soiled linens are not typically considered radioactive waste. They should be handled with routine precautions unless contaminated by bodily fluids with radiation. However, radioactive materials should not leave the room without special containment.
- B. Wear an isolation gown when caring for the client: While personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required for specific infectious cases, it is not necessary for brachytherapy unless other precautions are in place (e.g., infection control).
- D. Discard the radioactive source in the client’s trash can: The radioactive source must be handled by professionals with specialized training. It is never discarded in regular trash due to the risk of contamination and exposure.
In summary, keeping visitors at least 6 feet away from the client is essential for reducing radiation exposure during brachytherapy.