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","D"]
Explanation
Hypostatic Pneumonia Hypostatic pneumonia is a type of pneumonia that occurs when fluid or secretions settle in the lower lobes of the lungs, typically due to a lack of movement or staying in one position for too long. In this case, the client has paraplegia, which is a form of significant immobility. This condition prevents the client from effectively clearing their airway and results in decreased lung expansion.
Analysis of Evidence The clinical findings on Day 2 clearly indicate a progression toward an infectious respiratory process caused by this immobility:
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Respiratory Status: The oxygen saturation has dropped from 95% to 89%, and the respiratory rate has increased from 20/min to 24/min (tachypnea).
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Symptoms: The client has transitioned from a simple cough to a productive cough and is now experiencing confusion, which is a common sign of hypoxia in clinical settings.
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Infection Markers: The client's temperature has risen to 38.4°C (101.1°F), and the WBC count is elevated at 12,500/mm³, indicating a systemic inflammatory response or infection.
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Tachycardia: The heart rate has increased to 105/min, which is a compensatory mechanism for decreased oxygenation and the presence of a fever.
While the client's Hgb is slightly low (11.0 g/dL), it does not explain the acute onset of fever, confusion, and productive cough. Furthermore, there are no signs of fluid volume overload (such as edema or high BP) or calorie deficiency that would trigger these specific respiratory and febrile symptoms.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Clients with dementia often experience difficulties with memory, cognition, and orientation, which can lead to increased risk of falls and injuries, especially when trying to perform activities of daily living such as using the toilet. Assisting the client to the toilet frequently helps prevent accidents and reduces the risk of injury from falls. Timely toileting can also improve the client's comfort and overall quality of life.
Choice B rationale:
Raising the side rails up when the client is in bed can create a physical barrier, but it is not a recommended method to prevent falls in clients with dementia. In fact, it can pose a risk by confining the client and may lead to attempts to climb over the rails, resulting in falls and injuries.
Choice C rationale:
Placing the bedside table at the foot of the bed does not directly address the client's safety needs. While it might be a matter of personal preference or convenience, it does not significantly impact the client's risk of injury.
Choice D rationale:
Keeping the television on during the night does not address the client's physical safety. While it may provide entertainment or a familiar environment, it does not mitigate the risk of falls or injuries, which is the primary concern when caring for clients with dementia.
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