A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 days postpartum. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

A. Attach a dosimeter to the client's gown: A dosimeter measures the radiation dose received by the wearer over a period of time. While healthcare providers and personnel working closely with the client during brachytherapy may wear dosimeters, attaching one to the client's gown is not a standard practice.
B. Strain the client's urine: Straining the client's urine is not directly related to the care required for a client undergoing brachytherapy. The primary focus of care during brachytherapy is to minimize radiation exposure to others and promote the client's comfort and safety.
C. Limit each of the client's visitors to 2 hr per day: While it may be appropriate to limit the duration of visits to reduce the potential radiation exposure of visitors, the specific time limit of 2 hours per day is not standard and should be determined based on individual circumstances and institutional policies.
D. Instruct visitors to stay 1 m (3.3 feet) away from the client: This intervention is appropriate because it helps minimize radiation exposure to visitors. Maintaining distance from the client reduces the risk of radiation exposure to others while still allowing for social interaction and support during the client's treatment.

Correct Answer: B. Position the sterile drape leaving the perineum exposed.

Rationales

A. Lubricate the catheter with water-soluble gel.
Lubrication is important to reduce urethral trauma, but this is not the first step once the sterile field is prepared. It comes after draping and cleansing, just before catheter insertion.

B. Position the sterile drape leaving the perineum exposed.
This is the first action after donning sterile gloves and preparing the field. Draping maintains a sterile environment and provides access to the insertion site. Ensuring sterility from the beginning is critical for preventing catheter-associated infections.

C. Cleanse the client’s meatus with antiseptic solution.
Cleansing the meatus is done after draping to reduce the risk of introducing microorganisms during catheter insertion. Although essential, it is not the very first step once the sterile procedure begins.

D. Attach a prefilled syringe to the catheter inflation hub.
The balloon should not be prepared or inflated until after the catheter has been inserted and urine return is observed. Attaching the syringe too early may risk accidental inflation outside the bladder.