A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving brachytherapy for endometrial cancer.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Place the client's soiled bed linens in a biohazard bag outside the client's room.
Wear an isolation gown when caring for the client.
Keep visitors at least 6 feet (1.8 m) away from the client.
Discard the radioactive source in the client's trash can.
The Correct Answer is C
Answer is c. Keep visitors at least 6 feet (1.8 m) away from the client.
a. Place the client's soiled bed linens in a biohazard bag outside the client's room: While it is essential to follow standard precautions for handling potentially contaminated linens, soiled bed linens from a client undergoing brachytherapy do not require special handling in a biohazard bag unless contaminated with blood or bodily fluids. Brachytherapy involves the internal placement of radioactive sources near or within the tumor site, but the risk of contamination from bodily fluids is minimal. Therefore, soiled linens can be managed according to standard facility protocols for handling linens.
b. Wear an isolation gown when caring for the client: This option is incorrect because wearing an isolation gown is not necessary for radiation safety during brachytherapy. Radiation exposure is primarily managed through the use of lead aprons, gloves, and other shielding devices when directly handling radioactive sources or being in close proximity to the client during treatment sessions. Isolation gowns are typically used to prevent the spread of infection and are not specifically designed to shield against radiation exposure.
c. Keep visitors at least 6 feet (1.8 m) away from the client: Correct. This action minimizes radiation exposure to visitors, as brachytherapy involves the internal placement of radioactive material near or within the tumor site. Maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) from the client helps reduce the risk of radiation exposure to visitors while allowing them to provide support and companionship to the client. Visitors should also be informed about radiation safety precautions and instructed to limit their time spent near the client during treatment.
d. Discard the radioactive source in the client's trash can: This option is incorrect because radioactive sources used in brachytherapy must be handled and disposed of by trained personnel following established radiation safety protocols. Disposing of radioactive material in a client's regular trash can poses significant risks of exposure to others and is not permitted. Proper disposal procedures for radioactive sources involve packaging them in approved containers and returning them to the facility's radiation safety department for appropriate disposal or recycling.
In summary, the correct answer is c because keeping visitors at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) away from the client helps minimize their radiation exposure during brachytherapy, which involves the internal placement of radioactive material near or within the tumor site. This action aligns with radiation safety principles and helps protect both the client and visitors from unnecessary radiation exposure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is D.
Choice A reason: “A. Using this machine increases my risk of overdose.” This statement is incorrect because PCA pumps are designed with safety mechanisms to prevent overdose. The pump is programmed to deliver a specific dose of medication at set intervals, and it will not dispense more medication than what is prescribed by the healthcare provider.
Choice B reason: “B. I can get pain medication any time as long as I press the button.” While it is true that the patient can self-administer medication, PCA pumps have a lockout interval that prevents the machine from delivering another dose until a certain amount of time has passed, ensuring that the patient cannot receive medication too frequently.
Choice C reason: “C. My partner can press my pain medication button for me if I am sleeping.” This statement is incorrect. Only the patient should press the button on the PCA pump to ensure that the medication is administered safely and according to the patient’s current level of pain. Allowing someone else to press the button could lead to unsafe dosing.
Choice D reason: “D. I will receive a limited amount of pain medication when I press the button.” This is the correct statement. The PCA pump allows the patient to administer a controlled amount of pain medication within safe limits set by the healthcare provider. The pump is programmed to deliver a specific dose of medication, and there is a limit to the number of doses that can be administered per hour.
Correct Answer is ["A","D"]
No explanation
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