A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client who has a new diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome.
Which of the following recommendations should the nurse include?

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.

The assessment findings that are consistent with mastitis are: Chills Temperature Painful, tender breast The assessment findings that are consistent with endometritis are: Chills Temperature Foulsmelling lochia Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue that can lead to infection. It is usually caused by a blocked milk duct or bacteria entering the breast through a cracked nipple. Mastitis can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, body aches, and redness, swelling, and pain in the affected breast. Mastitis is usually treated with antibiotics and pain relievers. It is important to continue breastfeeding or pumping to empty the breast and prevent further engorgement. Endometritis is an inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium) that can lead to infection. It is usually caused by bacteria entering the uterus during childbirth, miscarriage, abortion, or insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD). Endometritis can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, lower abdominal pain, foul-smelling vaginal discharge (lochia), and uterine tenderness. Endometritis is usually treated with antibiotics and pain relievers. It is important to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen .