A client with cervical cancer is undergoing internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy) with a temporary sealed radioactive implant. While performing a routine assessment, the nurse discovers that the radioactive implant has become dislodged and is lying on the client's bed sheets. Which immediate action should the nurse take to prevent radiation injury?
- Use long-handled forceps to retrieve the implant and place it directly into a lead-lined container located in the room.Answer
- BDon two pairs of sterile gloves to manually pick up the implant and carefully reinsert it into the vaginal cavity.
- CInstruct the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to immediately gather the bed linens and place them in a yellow radioactive waste bag.
- DEvacuate the client to the hallway and immediately initiate a hospital-wide hazardous materials emergency response code.
Answer
The nurse must immediately use long-handled forceps to pick up the dislodged implant and place it into the designated lead-lined container kept in the client's room.
When a sealed radioactive implant becomes dislodged, the immediate priority is to minimize radiation exposure by utilizing the principles of time, distance, and shielding. Using long-handled forceps maximizes the physical distance between the nurse and the radioactive source. Placing the implant directly into a dedicated lead-lined container (which is a mandatory safety requirement to be kept in the client's room during brachytherapy) provides essential shielding. Once the source is safely contained, the nurse can safely assess the client and notify the radiation safety officer.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Radiation Safety Protocols and Accident Prevention