A nurse in the infectious disease division of the local health department is caring for a client. Which of the following infections should the nurse identify should be reported to the health department?

Rationale:

A. Limit visitors to 30 min per day: Time restrictions help reduce others’ exposure to radiation from the sealed implant. Limiting duration minimizes cumulative exposure for visitors while still allowing social interaction for the client.

B. Place the client in a semi-private room: Clients with internal radiation implants require a private room to protect others from unnecessary radiation exposure. A semi-private room increases the risk of radiation exposure to other patients and is inappropriate.

C. Instruct visitors who are pregnant to remain 3 feet from the client: Pregnant visitors should avoid contact with clients receiving internal radiation entirely, as even minimal exposure could harm the fetus. The safest recommendation is to avoid visiting during treatment.

D. Wear a lead apron when providing care: A lead apron shields the nurse from radiation exposure, especially when working close to the client. This is part of the time, distance, and shielding principles for radiation safety.

E. Close the door to the client's room: Keeping the door closed helps contain radiation within the client’s room, reducing exposure to staff and visitors in nearby areas. This is a standard precaution in caring for clients with sealed implants.

Rationale:

A. "The nurse will ask you to remove any transdermal patches prior to the procedure.": Some transdermal patches contain metallic components that can overheat during an MRI, posing a burn risk. Removing them prevents injury and ensures safety in the strong magnetic field.

B. "The nurse will ask you to wear protective eyewear during this procedure.": Protective eyewear is not necessary for MRI scans, as there is no exposure to bright light or flying debris. This precaution applies more to procedures involving lasers or potential eye hazards.

C. "You should not have this procedure if you are allergic to iodine.": Iodine allergies are a concern with certain CT scans using iodinated contrast, not standard MRIs. MRI contrast agents typically contain gadolinium, which has a different allergy profile.

D. "You should not have this procedure if you have a tattoo.": Tattoos generally do not contraindicate MRI, although some with metallic ink may cause mild skin irritation. This is rare and does not usually prevent the procedure from being performed.