Question

The nurse is making assignments for the day. Which client should be assigned to the pregnant nurse? A. The client receiving linear accelerator radiation therapy for lung cancer B. The client with a radium implant for cervical cancer C. The client who has just been administered soluble brachytherapy for thyroid cancer D. The client who returned from placement of iridium seeds for prostate cancer

Short answer

Answer: The client who has just been administered soluble brachytherapy for thyroid cancer.

Step-by-step solution

Evaluate the potential radiation exposure for each client

The pregnant nurse should avoid being exposed to radiation since it might have harmful effects on her unborn child. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate each client's treatment and the potential radiation exposure for the nurse. A. The client receiving linear accelerator radiation therapy for lung cancer: This treatment involves using high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. It might expose the nurse to radiation if she stays close to the client during the procedure. B. The client with a radium implant for cervical cancer: Radium implants emit radiation, and it is possible that the pregnant nurse might be exposed to radiation while caring for this client. C. The client who has just been administered soluble brachytherapy for thyroid cancer: In this treatment, radioactive substances are given as a solution, which is then absorbed by the tumor. The radioactive material is inside the patient's body, and the nurse caring for this patient might be at some risk of radiation exposure. D. The client who returned from placement of iridium seeds for prostate cancer: Iridium seeds are small radioactive pellets that emit radiation inside the patient's body. The pregnant nurse might be at risk of radiation exposure while caring for this patient.

Determine the most suitable client for the pregnant nurse

As we analyzed the radiation exposure for each client, we notice that every client has some form of radiation treatment. However, we should choose the client whose treatment has the least potential for radiation exposure. The least harmful option for the pregnant nurse would be to take care of the client who receives: C. The client who has just been administered soluble brachytherapy for thyroid cancer This is because the radioactive material is administered as a solution and absorbed by the tumor, which is inside the patient's body. Although there is still some risk of radiation exposure, it is generally lower compared to the other treatment options, making this client the most suitable assignment for the pregnant nurse.

Key concepts

Radiation Safety in Nursing

Understanding radiation safety is crucial in the nursing profession, especially for nurses who work around therapeutic radioactive materials. Radiation protection principles include time, distance, and shielding. Nurses should spend the least amount of necessary time exposed, maintain the maximum possible distance from radiation sources, and use appropriate shielding materials whenever possible.

For instance, in the scenario provided, evaluating the type and extent of radiation exposure is paramount. Nurses must be equipped with personal dosimeters to monitor exposure levels and should follow the facility's safety protocols. These protocols are designed to minimize the risk of harmful radiation exposure and protect the healthcare provider. Furthermore, safety measures often include lead aprons or barriers when they are in proximity to patients undergoing certain types of radiation therapy.

Radiation safety training is a continuous process for nurses, involving understanding the different types of radiation therapies such as external beam radiation therapy or brachytherapy, and knowing which require heightened precautions. This knowledge ensures that nurses can safeguard their health and the well-being of their patients.

Pregnant Nurse Assignments

Pregnant nurses face unique workplace hazards, particularly when it comes to assignments that may expose them to radiation. Facilities typically have policies that aim to minimize the occupational exposure of pregnant staff members to protect both the mother and the developing fetus.

When assessing assignments, like in the given exercise, it's important to evaluate the nature and duration of radiation exposure. Pregnant nurses should avoid assignments that involve patients undergoing treatments with high levels of radiation or where radiation sources are external and unshielded.

The recommended practice is to assign pregnant nurses to patients whose treatments involve the lowest risk of exposure, which often means considering treatments with internal radiation sources that are less likely to emit significant levels of radiation into the environment. Ideally, pregnant nurses should consult with their supervisors and occupational health services to ensure their assignments are safe and that they fully understand the necessary precautions and rationale behind decision-making regarding their duties.

Radiation Therapy in Cancer Treatment

Radiation therapy is a common treatment modality for cancer, utilizing high-energy particles or waves to destroy or damage cancer cells. The goal is to target the cancer cells while sparing as much healthy surrounding tissue as possible. There are several types of radiation therapy, including external beam radiation therapy, which directs radiation from outside the body, and brachytherapy, where a radioactive source is placed inside or near the tumor.

In external beam radiation therapy, like the linear accelerator used for lung cancer treatment, the patient is exposed to radiation beams for several minutes per session, but the radiation does not remain with the patient after the session. On the other hand, brachytherapy involves the temporary or permanent placement of radioactive sources within the patient, as with the soluble brachytherapy for thyroid cancer or the implant of iridium seeds for prostate cancer.

Nurses must understand the various types of radiation therapy to provide proper care to cancer patients. They should be knowledgeable about the safety protocols and required equipment, such as lead shields, to protect themselves and other patients from unnecessary exposure. Education on radiation therapy is crucial for nurses to competently and confidently participate in the treatment team and ensure optimal patient care.