A radium implant is found in the bed of a client being treated for cervical cancer. What is the appropriate action for the nurse to take?
Cover the implant with a blanket and continue monitoring the client.
Use forceps and a lead container to pick up and store the implant safely.
Ignore the implant and notify the physician during the next routine visit.
Immediately pick up the implant with bare hands and reinsert it.
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. Covering the implant does not prevent radiation exposure. Radium emits ionizing radiation, which can be harmful to both the patient and healthcare workers. Simply covering it is not a safe or effective response.
B. The appropriate action is to use long-handled forceps to avoid direct contact and place the implant in a lead-lined container to shield from radiation. This protects the nurse from radiation exposure while safely securing the radioactive source. Afterward, the physician or radiation safety officer should be notified immediately.
C. Ignoring a loose radium implant is extremely unsafe. Exposure to the radioactive source can cause serious radiation injury. Immediate action is required; it cannot wait until the next routine visit.
D. Handling the radium implant with bare hands exposes the nurse to dangerous levels of radiation and is contraindicated. Proper shielding and tools must always be used.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Surgery is a primary treatment for many cancers and can be used alone to remove localized tumors or in combination with other treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation to improve outcomes.
B. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. It can be administered alone for localized cancers or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy to enhance treatment effectiveness.
C. Immunotherapy stimulates the patient’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. It can be used alone or combined with other treatments depending on the cancer type and stage.
D. Phlebotomy, which involves removing blood, is used for conditions like polycythemia vera or hemochromatosis, but it is not a treatment for cancer.
E. Chemotherapy involves systemic administration of anti-cancer drugs to destroy rapidly dividing cells. It can be used alone for widespread cancer or in combination with surgery, radiation, or immunotherapy to improve outcomes.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Neutropenia significantly reduces the body’s ability to fight infections, making the client vulnerable to opportunistic infections, including oral candidiasis (thrush) and systemic infections. Reinforcing infection prevention strategies, such as good hand hygiene, avoiding sick contacts, and prompt reporting of fever or oral lesions, is essential in discharge teaching.
B. While neutropenia can increase infection risk, routine monitoring specifically for periodontal disease is not the primary focus of discharge instructions. The main concern is immediate infection prevention, not chronic dental conditions.
C. Neutropenia does not increase the risk for Barrett’s esophagus. This statement is unrelated and inappropriate for discharge teaching about neutropenia.
D. While good oral hygiene is always recommended, the primary concern for neutropenic patients is prevention of opportunistic infections, not routine gingivitis. The focus is on avoiding infections that can become systemic and life-threatening.
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