Which of the following statements about internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy) are accurate? Select All that Apply
Brachytherapy is only used for tumors in the prostate gland.
Limited visitation is typically required during the treatment period.
Body fluids may be contaminated with radiation during this treatment.
The client may emit radiation for a short time after treatment.
The client can safely be in close proximity to pregnant individuals and children.
Correct Answer : B,C,D
Internal radiation therapy, also called brachytherapy, involves placing a radioactive source inside or very close to the tumor site to deliver high-dose radiation directly to malignant cells. This method helps minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissues while providing effective local tumor control. It is commonly used for cancers such as cervical, prostate, breast, and head and neck cancers. Nursing care focuses heavily on radiation safety precautions for the client, visitors, and healthcare staff.
Rationale:
A. Brachytherapy is not limited to tumors of the prostate gland only. Although prostate cancer is a common indication, it is also widely used in cervical, uterine, vaginal, breast, esophageal, and head and neck cancers. The treatment is selected based on tumor location and the ability to place the radioactive source near the lesion. Therefore, restricting it only to prostate tumors is inaccurate.
B. Limited visitation is required because the client may temporarily emit radiation depending on the type of implant used. To reduce unnecessary radiation exposure, visits are usually brief and visitors are instructed to remain at a safe distance from the client. Hospitals also often restrict visits by pregnant individuals and young children due to their increased sensitivity to radiation exposure.
C. Body fluids may be contaminated with radiation, especially with unsealed internal radiation sources where the radioactive substance is given orally, intravenously, or instilled into a body cavity. Urine, stool, vomitus, and other secretions may require special handling to prevent exposure. Nurses must follow strict precautions when disposing of contaminated materials and performing hygiene care.
D. The client may emit radiation for a short time after treatment, particularly when a sealed radioactive implant remains in place temporarily. During this period, radiation precautions such as private room placement, limited staff exposure time, and shielding may be necessary. Once the source is removed or radioactivity decreases sufficiently, the emission risk is reduced.
E. The client cannot safely remain in close proximity to pregnant individuals and children during active brachytherapy treatment. These groups are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of radiation because of rapidly dividing cells and fetal sensitivity. Exposure should be minimized by restricting visits and maintaining appropriate distance until radiation precautions are no longer required.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
Hepatitis A, B, and C are viral infections that affect the liver but differ in their routes of transmission. Hepatitis A is primarily spread through the fecal-oral route, while hepatitis B and C are transmitted through blood and body fluids. Prevention strategies focus on interrupting these transmission pathways through hygiene practices, safe injection techniques, and vaccination. Effective public health measures significantly reduce infection rates and prevent outbreaks.
Rationale:
A. Practicing safe hygiene and sanitation measures is effective in preventing hepatitis A transmission. Proper handwashing, safe food handling, and adequate sanitation reduce fecal-oral spread of the virus. These measures are especially important in community and healthcare settings to prevent contamination.
B. Avoiding contact with blood and using sterile needles is essential in preventing hepatitis B and C transmission. These viruses are commonly spread through percutaneous exposure, including shared needles, unsafe injections, and contact with infected blood. Strict adherence to standard precautions and safe injection practices significantly reduces infection risk.
C. Administering immunizations for hepatitis A and B is a highly effective preventive strategy. Vaccines stimulate immunity and protect individuals from future infection, particularly in high-risk populations. There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C, but vaccination for A and B significantly reduces overall disease burden.
D. Limiting immunizations to adults only is incorrect because hepatitis A and B vaccines are recommended for both children and adults depending on risk factors and national immunization schedules. Early childhood vaccination is a key strategy in preventing long-term infection and community transmission.
E. Using only well water for drinking is incorrect because contaminated water sources, including unsafe wells, can increase the risk of hepatitis A transmission. Safe, treated, or properly monitored water sources are necessary to prevent fecal-oral spread.
F. Encouraging clients to share personal hygiene items is incorrect because items such as razors, toothbrushes, and needles can transmit bloodborne pathogens like hepatitis B and C. Personal items should never be shared to prevent exposure to infected blood or bodily fluids.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Hemodynamic instability in a postoperative client showing a progressive decline in level of consciousness and urine output can occur as a result of postoperative complications which include fluid volume loss, bleeding, or impaired perfusion leading to decreased cardiac output. Blood pressure trends are critical indicators of circulatory status. A falling blood pressure accompanied by bradycardia, decreased urine output, and altered mental status strongly suggests reduced tissue perfusion and shock-like physiology rather than elevated blood pressure states.
Rationale:
• Hypotension: The client’s blood pressure has dropped significantly from 124/78 mmHg to 88/56 mmHg, indicating decreased vascular perfusion and possible reduced cardiac output. This is supported by worsening mental status, bradycardia, and decreased urine output, which are classic signs of poor systemic perfusion. In postoperative clients, hypotension may result from hypovolemia, bleeding, or distributive causes. The downward trend in vital signs confirms a hypotensive state requiring urgent intervention.
• Hypertension: Hypertension would present with elevated blood pressure readings and is not consistent with the documented trend in this client. Instead of an increase, the client’s blood pressure has progressively decreased to hypotensive levels. Additionally, hypertension would not explain decreased urine output, worsening consciousness, or bradycardia in this context. Therefore, hypertension is not supported by the clinical findings.
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