A nurse enters the room of a client receiving internal radiation therapy (cervical brachytherapy) and observes that the radioactive implant has accidentally dislodged and is lying on the bed linens. To prevent severe radiation exposure and injury, in what order should the nurse perform the following actions? (Arrange the items in the correct chronological sequence.)
- 1Instruct the client to remain completely still and avoid touching the implant.
- 2Retrieve the dislodged radioactive source using long-handled forceps.
- 3Place the radioactive source directly into the designated lead-lined container.
- 4Assess the client for active bleeding or trauma at the insertion site.
- 5Notify the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) and the healthcare provider.
Cevap
The correct sequence is to first instruct the client to remain still, retrieve the source using long-handled forceps, place it in the lead-lined container, assess the client for trauma, and finally notify the Radiation Safety Officer and healthcare provider.
In any radioactive hazard scenario, the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles of Time, Distance, and Shielding take absolute precedence over standard clinical assessment. The nurse must first freeze the scene verbally (preventing the client from touching the source), use distance (forceps) to retrieve it, and use shielding (lead container) to contain it. Only after the environment is mathematically safe from acute radiation exposure can the nurse safely approach the client to assess for physical trauma, followed by notifying the appropriate safety and medical personnel with complete information.
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Anahtar Kavram
Radiation Safety Principles (ALARA: Time, Distance, Shielding) and Hazard Prioritization