A nurse enters the room of a client receiving internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy) for cervical cancer and discovers the radioactive implant has dislodged and is resting on the bed linens. Place the following nursing actions in the correct priority sequence to safely manage this hazard and minimize radiation exposure.
- 1Instruct the client to remain completely still in the bed.
- 2Grasp the radioactive implant using the long-handled forceps kept in the room.
- 3Deposit the radioactive implant directly into the designated lead-lined container.
- 4Close and secure the lid tightly on the lead-lined container.
- 5Notify the radiation safety officer and the primary healthcare provider.
Answer
The correct priority sequence is to first instruct the client to remain still, then grasp the implant with long-handled forceps, deposit it into the lead-lined container, secure the container lid, and finally notify the radiation safety officer and healthcare provider.
The priority in managing a dislodged radioactive implant is to minimize exposure using the core principles of radiation safety: distance and shielding. The nurse first prevents the client from moving to avoid losing the implant. Next, utilizing distance, the nurse uses long-handled forceps to retrieve the implant. Shielding is then established by placing the implant in the lead-lined container and securing the lid. Only after the immediate environmental hazard is safely contained does the nurse notify the radiation safety officer and healthcare provider.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Radiation safety emergency protocols (Time, Distance, and Shielding)