A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving brachytherapy for endometrial cancer.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Place the client's soiled bed linens in a biohazard bag outside the client's room.
Wear an isolation gown when caring for the client.
Keep visitors at least 6 feet (1.8 m) away from the client.
Discard the radioactive source in the client's trash can.
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A swollen area on the calf can indicate deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a serious complication of immobility. Immobilization can lead to blood stasis in the veins, increasing the risk of clot formation. DVT can result in severe complications, such as pulmonary embolism, making it a critical concern that requires immediate attention.
Choice B rationale:
Increased blood pressure is not a direct complication of immobility. However, immobility can contribute to hypertension over time due to factors such as weight gain and reduced cardiovascular fitness. While hypertension is a concern, it is not an acute complication of immobility that necessitates immediate intervention.
Choice C rationale:
Decreased serum calcium levels are not a direct complication of immobility. Immobility can lead to bone density loss and potential fractures due to reduced weight-bearing activities, but it does not cause an acute decrease in serum calcium levels.
Choice D rationale:
Urinary frequency is not a typical complication of immobility. Immobility can affect the urinary system, potentially leading to urinary stasis and increased risk of urinary tract infections, but urinary frequency is not a direct result of immobility.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Consuming foods high in bran fiber can help regulate bowel movements and alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Fiber adds bulk to the stool and can prevent constipation, a common symptom in IBS patients. Adequate dietary fiber intake is generally recommended for individuals with IBS.
Choice B rationale:
Increasing intake of foods high in gluten might worsen symptoms in individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Gluten-containing foods can trigger gastrointestinal distress in susceptible individuals and should be avoided if gluten intolerance is present.
Choice C rationale:
Some individuals with IBS are lactose intolerant, which means they have difficulty digesting milk products. Increasing intake of milk products can exacerbate symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea in these individuals. It is important to assess the client's tolerance to lactose-containing foods before recommending their consumption.
Choice D rationale:
Sweetening foods with fructose corn syrup may worsen symptoms in individuals with IBS. Fructose is a type of sugar that can cause gastrointestinal distress in some people, especially those with fructose malabsorption. Recommending sweeteners with low fructose content would be more appropriate for individuals with IBS.
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