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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Expressing concern about another shift's holiday hours does not necessarily involve interpersonal conflict. It may reflect dissatisfaction but doesn't involve direct conflict between individuals.
Choice B rationale:
A personal difficulty with caring for clients who have HIV could be a challenge for the nurse, but it's not an example of interpersonal conflict. It represents a personal struggle rather than a conflict with another individual.
Choice C rationale:
Insulting comments directed at a nurse by another nurse represent interpersonal conflict. Such behavior involves a direct clash of personalities and can create a hostile work environment, affecting the nurse's well-being and job performance. Addressing this type of conflict is crucial for maintaining a positive work atmosphere.
Choice D rationale:
Submitting a complaint about another department's handoff reporting might indicate dissatisfaction or concerns about workflow, but it's not necessarily an interpersonal conflict. It could be a communication issue or a difference in professional opinion rather than a direct clash between individuals.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is B.
Choice A reason: Checking the client’s condition after the procedure involves assessment, which is a critical component of the nursing process. This task requires clinical judgment and knowledge of potential complications, which are responsibilities that cannot be delegated to assistive personnel.
Choice B reason: Assisting with ambulation is a task that can be safely delegated to assistive personnel. It is a basic care task that does not require clinical judgment and can be performed under the supervision of a nurse.
Choice C reason: Witnessing a client’s signature on the consent for the procedure is a legal and ethical responsibility that involves ensuring the client understands the procedure and is giving informed consent. This task requires a level of professional accountability that is beyond the scope of assistive personnel.
Choice D reason: Administering medication, such as atropine 30 minutes before the procedure, is a nursing intervention that requires knowledge of pharmacology and the ability to monitor for adverse effects. This is not within the scope of practice for assistive personnel and must be performed by licensed nursing staff.
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