A nurse is teaching a client who is receiving radiation therapy about skin protection. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Rationale:

A. Wear a dosimeter film badge to measure exposure: Nurses providing care to clients with sealed radiation implants must monitor cumulative radiation exposure. Wearing a dosimeter badge ensures safety and compliance with occupational exposure limits.

B. Place a caution sign on the client's door: Posting a radiation warning sign alerts staff and visitors to the presence of a radioactive source. This precaution helps prevent accidental exposure and ensures that only authorized personnel enter the room.

C. Don a lead apron when providing care: Lead aprons reduce radiation exposure when performing close-contact procedures or bedside care. Using personal protective equipment is essential for minimizing occupational risk.

D. Discard bed linens from the client's room at the end of each day: Sealed radiation implants emit low levels of radiation and do not contaminate linens. Routine disposal of linens is unnecessary and could generate unnecessary waste. Standard laundering procedures are sufficient.

E. Instruct visitors to remain 61 cm (2 feet) away from the client: Visitors are generally instructed to maintain a greater distance, typically at least 6 feet (1.8 meters), and limit time in the room to reduce exposure. A distance of 2 feet is insufficient for safety.

Rationale:

A. The nurse should dispose of the ampule in the trash can: Glass ampules are considered sharps and must be disposed of in a designated sharps container to prevent injury and maintain safety. Throwing them in regular trash is unsafe and violates standard precautions.

B. The nurse should use the same needle to draw up and inject the client: Using the same needle can introduce glass particles or contamination into the client’s tissue. A new sterile needle should be used for injection after withdrawing the medication to ensure safety and sterility.

C. The nurse should use a filter needle to withdraw the medication: A filter needle is designed to prevent small glass shards from being drawn into the syringe when breaking the ampule. This action protects the client from injury and ensures that the medication administered is free from particulate matter.

D. The nurse should break the neck of the ampule toward their body: The ampule should always be broken away from the body to prevent injury from glass shards. Breaking it toward oneself increases the risk of cuts and contamination, making it an unsafe practice.