A client with uterine cancer is being treated with internal radiation herapy (brachytherapy). What is the nurse's PRIORITY action when caring for this client?
Wear a dosimeter badge and lead apron when providing direct patient care.
Avoid placing a radiation sign at the entrance of the room for patient privacy
Alert family members that they should restrict their visiting to 60 minutes at a time.
Explain to the patient that she will continue to emit radiation for months after the implant is removed.
The Correct Answer is A
A) Wear a dosimeter badge and lead apron when providing direct patient care: When caring for a patient undergoing internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy), radiation safety is the nurse’s priority. The nurse must take measures to minimize radiation exposure by wearing protective equipment such as a dosimeter badge (to monitor exposure levels) and a lead apron (to shield against radiation). These precautions are critical to protect healthcare workers from potential radiation harm while caring for a patient with a radiation implant.
B) Avoid placing a radiation sign at the entrance of the room for patient privacy: Placing a radiation warning sign at the entrance of the room is a mandatory safety protocol when a patient is undergoing brachytherapy. This warning sign informs healthcare personnel and visitors that radiation is present, and it is important for ensuring safety. Patient privacy should not override radiation safety protocols.
C) Alert family members that they should restrict their visiting to 60 minutes at a time: While it is essential to inform family members about safety precautions when visiting a patient receiving radiation therapy, the priority action for the nurse is to ensure their own safety and radiation exposure first. Limiting family visits is an important step to reduce unnecessary exposure, but this is a secondary concern compared to the nurse's direct radiation safety measures.
D) Explain to the patient that she will continue to emit radiation for months after the implant is removed: The patient will continue emitting radiation only for a short period after the implant is removed. The duration of radiation emission depends on the type of radioactive material used in brachytherapy, but it is typically limited to a few days or weeks at most. In most cases, the nurse would explain to the patient that, after the implant is removed, radiation emission will cease.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Prepare the client for mechanical ventilation:
A myasthenic crisis is a medical emergency characterized by severe weakness of the respiratory muscles, leading to respiratory failure. This can result from insufficient levels of acetylcholine due to insufficient medication (e.g., pyridostigmine) or from an infection. In such cases, airway support is the priority. The nurse should first prepare the client for potential mechanical ventilation to ensure they can breathe properly and to prevent respiratory arrest.
B) Instruct the client to perform pursed-lip breathing:
While pursed-lip breathing is a useful technique to help with shortness of breath and improve ventilation in certain respiratory conditions (like COPD), it is not the first action in managing a myasthenic crisis. The immediate priority is to ensure the client can breathe and maintain oxygenation, which may require mechanical ventilation if the respiratory muscles are too weak to support breathing effectively.
C) Prepare to administer IVIG:
IV immunoglobulin (IVIG) can be used in the treatment of myasthenic crisis by suppressing the immune response and increasing acetylcholine receptor activity. However, IVIG is not typically the first intervention. Respiratory support and stabilization should take precedence, especially if there is significant respiratory distress.
D) Administration of an immunosuppressant:
Immunosuppressive therapy, such as corticosteroids or azathioprine, may be used to manage myasthenia gravis over the long term, but it is not an acute intervention for a myasthenic crisis. The immediate priority in a crisis situation is to manage respiratory distress and ensure airway protection.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
A. Pneumococcal vaccine:
The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for older adults to protect against Streptococcus pneumoniae, a common cause of pneumonia and other invasive diseases. Individuals over 65 years of age are at increased risk for pneumococcal infections, making this vaccine essential for their health.
B. Influenza vaccine:
The influenza vaccine is recommended annually for older adults, as they are at high risk for severe complications from influenza due to age-related immune system decline. Preventing influenza reduces the risk of secondary infections, such as pneumonia.
C. COVID-19 vaccine:
COVID-19 vaccines are strongly recommended for older adults because they are at higher risk for severe illness and complications from COVID-19. Staying up to date with booster doses further reduces the risk of hospitalization and death.
D. HIB vaccine:
The Haemophilus influenzae type b (HIB) vaccine is not routinely recommended for adults unless they have specific medical conditions, such as asplenia or immunodeficiencies. This vaccine is primarily targeted for infants and young children.
E. Rotavirus vaccine:
The rotavirus vaccine is not recommended for adults. It is specifically designed to prevent rotavirus gastroenteritis in infants and young children. There is no clinical indication for its use in the older adult population.
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