A nurse is caring for a client receiving brachytherapy with a sealed vaginal radiation implant for the treatment of cervical cancer. Upon entering the room, the nurse discovers that the radioactive implant has dislodged and is lying on the client's bed linens. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?
- Use long-handled forceps to place the dislodged implant into the lead-lined container kept in the client's room.Answer
- BDon double chemotherapy gloves and carefully manually reinsert the implant into the vaginal cavity.
- CInstruct the unlicensed assistive personnel to stay with the client while the nurse notifies the radiation safety officer.
- DImmediately evacuate the client to the hallway and restrict all access to the contaminated room.
Answer
The correct action is to immediately use long-handled forceps to place the dislodged implant into the lead-lined container kept in the client's room.
The standard protocol for a dislodged sealed radiation implant is to immediately secure the radioactive source to adhere to the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles, focusing on time, distance, and shielding. The nurse must use long-handled forceps to pick up the implant and place it directly into the designated lead-lined container. This container and the forceps are mandatory safety equipment that must be present in the room of any client undergoing internal radiation therapy.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Handling of Radioactive Materials and Brachytherapy Safety Protocols