A nurse is providing care for a client who is receiving internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy) with a sealed implant for cervical cancer. Upon entering the room, the nurse discovers the radioactive implant has dislodged and is lying on the client's bed linens. Which of the following is the nurse's immediate priority action?
- Retrieve the implant using long-handled forceps and place it directly into a designated lead-lined container.Cevap
- BPut on a double layer of sterile gloves and carefully reinsert the implant to maintain the treatment schedule.
- CInstruct the unlicensed assistive personnel to stand at a safe distance inside the room while the nurse calls the provider.
- DEvacuate the client into the hallway and close the room door to prevent further radiation exposure to staff.
Cevap
The immediate priority action is to retrieve the dislodged implant using long-handled forceps and place it into a designated lead-lined container.
The correct action demonstrates adherence to strict radiation safety protocols. When a sealed radioactive implant dislodges, the nurse must never touch it directly. Every room where brachytherapy is administered must be equipped with long-handled forceps and a lead pig (container). Using the forceps increases the distance from the source, and the lead container provides essential shielding, immediately securing the environment.
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Hazardous Material Handling: Emergency Response to Dislodged Radiation Implants