The nurse is caring for a client with uterine cancer who is being treated with brachytherapy. The UAP reports that the client ambulated to the restroom and is now reporting, "something feels like it’s coming out." What is the nurse's priority action?
Assess for dislodgement and use forceps to retrieve the dislodged pellets and place in the lead container.
Assess the patient's knowledge of the treatment plan and her willingness to participate.
Assess the UP's knowledge and explain the rationale for strict bed rest.
Notify the physician about the potential dislodgment of the radiation implant.
The Correct Answer is A
A) Assess for dislodgement and use forceps to retrieve the dislodged pellets and place in the lead container:
The priority action when a patient is receiving brachytherapy for uterine cancer is to assess for potential dislodgement of the radioactive implant. If the radiation source has been displaced, it must be handled carefully to prevent radiation exposure to the nurse, other patients, and staff. The nurse should use forceps to carefully retrieve the dislodged pellets and place them in a lead container to prevent contamination.
B) Assess the patient's knowledge of the treatment plan and her willingness to participate:
While it is important to assess the patient's understanding of the treatment plan and her willingness to participate, this is not the immediate priority in this situation. The nurse’s first priority is to address the potential risk of radiation exposure due to the dislodgement of the implant.
C) Assess the UAP's knowledge and explain the rationale for strict bed rest:
Although it is important for the nurse to ensure that all team members, including UAPs, understand the rationale for strict bed rest during brachytherapy, this action is not the most immediate priority in this scenario. The potential dislodgement of the radiation implant requires urgent assessment and intervention.
D) Notify the physician about the potential dislodgment of the radiation implant:
Notifying the physician about the dislodgement is an important step, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. The immediate priority is to assess and secure the radiation implant using appropriate protocols. Once the dislodged pellets have been safely contained in the lead container, the nurse should then notify the physician for further guidance on the next steps in treatment or care.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
A) Associated with recent vaccination:
Vaccinations, particularly those for influenza and other viral infections, have been linked to an increased risk of GBS in some cases. This association is believed to be due to an immune response that may trigger the autoimmune attack on the peripheral nervous system, leading to GBS.
B) Associated with tobacco use:
While smoking has been associated with various health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, there is no established direct link between tobacco use and the development of GBS. The pathophysiology of GBS is more strongly related to infections and certain immune responses rather than lifestyle factors like smoking.
C) Recent surgical experience:
It is believed that the stress from surgery, particularly in the presence of an infection or immune response, may trigger the development of GBS. Infections, especially bacterial infections like those caused by Campylobacter jejuni, which is a common antecedent of GBS, can sometimes occur after surgery.
D) Presence of a thymus gland:
The thymus is involved in the immune system, particularly in the development of T-cells, but there is no direct correlation between the thymus gland and the onset of GBS. GBS is more closely related to infections (viral or bacterial), recent vaccinations, or surgery rather than anatomical features like the thymus.
E) Associated with exposure to a recent viral infection:
Viral infections such as Zika virus, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus (CMV), influenza, and others can trigger an autoimmune response that leads to the development of GBS. Infections are the most common precipitating factor for GBS, and the immune system’s response to the viral infection may cause the body to mistakenly attack its own peripheral nerves, leading to the symptoms of GBS.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Prednisone:
Prednisone is a corticosteroid commonly used to reduce inflammation in conditions such as asthma. It is appropriate in this case for managing the asthma exacerbation, as steroids help to decrease airway inflammation and improve breathing. There is no immediate concern about prednisone in this client with both asthma and a history of heart failure.
B) Metoprolol:
Metoprolol is a beta-blocker, typically used for managing heart failure, hypertension, and arrhythmias. However, beta-blockers are generally avoided in asthma patients because they can exacerbate bronchospasm. In patients with asthma, beta-blockers can block beta-2 receptors in the lungs, leading to constriction of the airways and worsening respiratory symptoms.
C) Labetolol:
Labetolol is a beta-blocker with both alpha- and beta-blocking effects, which can help lower blood pressure and manage heart failure. While labetalol can also block beta-2 receptors, it has a relatively lower risk of causing bronchospasm compared to non-selective beta-blockers like metoprolol. However, it still poses some risk to patients with asthma. Given the patient's history of asthma, labetolol may still require caution, but it is generally considered safer than other beta-blockers.
D) Albuterol:
Albuterol is a bronchodilator used to relieve acute asthma symptoms and is commonly prescribed for asthma exacerbations. It works by stimulating beta-2 receptors in the lungs, leading to the relaxation of bronchial smooth muscles and improved airflow. In this case, albuterol is an appropriate medication for managing asthma exacerbation and should be used to relieve symptoms of shortness of breath and wheezing.
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