A nurse is planning care for an older adult client who has dementia and a nutritional deficit.
Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

Choice A rationale

A dosimeter is used to measure the amount of radiation exposure for the healthcare professional, not the client. It is a personal radiation-monitoring device that provides a record of an individual's accumulated dose of ionizing radiation. Attaching a dosimeter to the client's gown is an inappropriate intervention as the client is the source of the radiation, and the dosimeter is designed to protect the healthcare worker by monitoring their exposure.

Choice B rationale

Brachytherapy involves placing a radioactive source close to the tumor. To minimize the radiation exposure of others, a safe distance is maintained. A distance of at least 1 meter (3.3 feet) from the source of radiation is a standard safety measure for visitors and healthcare staff. This inverse square law principle of radiation safety dictates that intensity decreases with the square of the distance from the source, so increasing distance significantly reduces exposure.

Choice C rationale

When a client is undergoing brachytherapy, it is essential to limit the amount of time visitors spend in close proximity. The typical time limit for visitors is 30 minutes per day, not 2 hours. This is a crucial radiation safety measure that adheres to the principle of "Time, Distance, and Shielding.”. Limiting the time of exposure directly reduces the total radiation dose received by the visitor, thereby minimizing potential harm from the radiation source.

Choice D rationale

For a client undergoing brachytherapy, there is a risk that the radioactive implant could be dislodged and expelled from the body. Therefore, straining the client's urine is a critical intervention. This allows the nurse to inspect for and retrieve the implant if it has been inadvertently expelled, ensuring it is not lost and that appropriate safety protocols for handling radioactive materials are followed. This also prevents potential radiation exposure to others. *.

Choice A rationale

Scant lochia rubra with a few small clots is a normal finding at 2 days postpartum. Lochia rubra, which is dark red discharge, is expected during the first 3-4 days. Scant bleeding and small clots are considered normal and indicate the uterine healing process is progressing appropriately. Excessive bleeding or large clots would be cause for concern.

Choice B rationale

Bilateral ankle edema is a common and expected finding at 2 days postpartum. This is due to the mobilization of fluid retained during pregnancy and the effects of gravity. While it should be monitored, it typically resolves on its own. The nurse should assess for other signs of a more serious condition, such as unilateral leg swelling, pain, or redness, which could indicate a deep vein thrombosis.

Choice C rationale

A urine output of 2,500 mL/day is within the expected range for a postpartum client. Diuresis is a normal physiological process during the first few days after birth, as the body eliminates the excess fluid volume accumulated during pregnancy. Urine output typically ranges from 2,000 to 3,000 mL/day, indicating adequate kidney function and fluid mobilization.

Choice D rationale

Deep-tendon reflexes of 4+ are a hyperreflexic finding that can indicate a neurological complication, such as preeclampsia. Normal deep-tendon reflexes are typically 1+ to 2+. Hyperreflexia is a sign of central nervous system irritability and can precede seizure activity, making it a critical finding that requires immediate reporting to the provider for further assessment and intervention. .