Question

A client with cervical cancer has a sealed implant in place. Which would be included in the nursing plan for this client? A. Admit to a semi-private room. B. Visitors are limited to four hours per day. C. No pregnant women or children younger than 16 can visit. D. Excreta requires special precautions.

Short answer

Based on the analysis, the most appropriate nursing plan for a client with cervical cancer who has a sealed implant in place is: "No pregnant women or children younger than 16 can visit." This plan prioritizes the safety of vulnerable populations by restricting visits from individuals who are at a higher risk of negative effects from radiation exposure.

Step-by-step solution

Review option A

Admit to a semi-private room. This option would not address specific safety concerns related to radiation exposure from the sealed implant.

Review option B

Visitors are limited to four hours per day. Limiting the time visitors spend with the client may help reduce their exposure to radiation. However, it does not address other precautions that should be taken for specific populations and doesn't prioritize safety above all else.

Review option C

No pregnant women or children younger than 16 can visit. This option takes into consideration that the most sensitive populations with a higher risk of negative effects from radiation exposure are pregnant women and young children. Therefore, this option prioritizes the safety of these vulnerable populations.

Review option D

Excreta requires special precautions. While it's important to safely dispose of bodily fluids, this option does not address the broader risks associated with radiation exposure from the sealed implant. #Step 2: Choose the most appropriate option#

Select the best nursing plan

By analyzing each option, we can determine that option C "No pregnant women or children younger than 16 can visit." is the most appropriate nursing plan for a client with cervical cancer who has a sealed implant in place. This plan prioritizes the safety of vulnerable populations by restricting visits from individuals who are at a higher risk of negative effects from radiation exposure.

Key concepts

Cervical Cancer Patient Care

Caring for patients with cervical cancer who are receiving radiation therapy involves meticulous planning to ensure safety and comfort. The use of sealed radioactive implants, also known as brachytherapy, requires specific nursing interventions to prevent radiation exposure to others while maintaining the quality of patient care.

When a cervical cancer patient has a sealed implant, the private room becomes more than a convenience - it's a necessity. A private room minimizes the risk of accidental exposure to radiation for other patients and healthcare staff. Additionally, it provides the patient with a safe space where radiation safety protocols are strictly followed. Nursing care plans would include monitoring the patient for any side effects of radiation therapy, managing pain, and observing for signs of infection at the implant site. The psychological well-being of patients is also crucial, as isolation can affect their mental health, so nurses should address this through compassionate communication and support.

Radiation Exposure Precautions

Radiation exposure precautions are critical when dealing with brachytherapy in cervical cancer treatment. These precautions include limiting visitor hours to decrease the duration of potential exposure. While turning away loved ones can be challenging, it is imperative to understand that the patients undergoing brachytherapy emit radiation, which can be harmful to others if they are exposed for prolonged periods. The limits for visitors, often recommended at no more than 30 minutes at a time and maintaining a safe distance, are not arbitrary but are based on the principles of time, distance, and shielding – important facets of radiation protection.

Understanding Time, Distance, and Shielding

• Time: Reducing the amount of time spent near a radiation source decreases the dose one receives.
• Distance: Increasing distance from the radiation source exponentially reduces exposure levels due to the inverse square law.
• Shielding: Utilizing barriers (like lead shields) between a person and the radiation source can greatly diminish exposure.

These principles guide healthcare professionals in establishing protocols for the protection of staff, visitors, and other patients. Education on radiation safety is critical for everyone involved in the care process.

Protecting Vulnerable Populations in Healthcare

In the context of radiation therapy for cervical cancer, protecting vulnerable populations is paramount. Pregnant women and children under the age of 16 are particularly susceptible to the harms of ionizing radiation. For pregnant women, exposure can lead to fetal abnormalities or developmental issues, while children are more sensitive to radiation due to their rapidly dividing cells and longer life expectancy, allowing more time for potential long-term effects to manifest.

Therefore, it is necessary to enforce a strict no-visit policy for these groups. This policy is not only a matter of regulatory compliance but also a demonstration of the healthcare provider's commitment to patient safety and ethical responsibility. Providing clear, well-established guidelines for visitors helps ensure understanding and compliance, thus safeguarding not only the patient but also the larger community from the risks associated with radiation exposure.