Question

99\. A client has a radium implant in place for cervical cancer. The nurse enters the room and notes that the implant is on the floor. What is the nurse’s action? ? A. Don sterile gloves, pick up the implant, and take it to x-ray ? B. Remove the client from the room and call the physician ? C. Use long-handled forceps to pick up the implant and then place it in a lead container ? D. Pick up the implant, place it into a biohazard bag, and put it in a contami- nated waste container

Short answer

Answer: The most appropriate action for the nurse to take is to use long-handled forceps to pick up the implant and then place it in a lead container. This action prioritizes nurse safety and the proper handling of the dislodged radium implant.

Step-by-step solution

01. Identify and evaluate the possible actions.

The given options are: A. Don sterile gloves, pick up the implant, and take it to x-ray. B. Remove the client from the room and call the physician. C. Use long-handled forceps to pick up the implant and then place it in a lead container. D. Pick up the implant, place it into a biohazard bag, and put it in a contaminated waste container. We must evaluate each action based on the safety of the nurse and the client's well-being.

02. Evaluate action A.

Donning sterile gloves would not provide the nurse with adequate protection from radiation, and handling the implant directly would pose a significant risk to their health. Taking it to the x-ray department may seem logical, but the first concern should be the nurse's safety and the client's well-being.

03. Evaluate action B.

Removing the client from the room is essential to prevent further exposure to the dislodged implant. Calling the physician is also important for managing the situation. However, this option does not address the handling of the dislodged implant, which is a crucial aspect of preventing further radiation exposure to others.

04. Evaluate action C.

This action minimizes the nurse's exposure to radiation by using long-handled forceps to pick up the implant without direct contact. Placing the implant in a lead container ensures that it is appropriately contained to prevent further radiation exposure. This option effectively addresses both the nurse's safety and properly handling the dislodged implant.

05. Evaluate action D.

Picking up the implant and placing it in a biohazard bag would entail the nurse directly handling the implant, significantly increasing the risk of radiation exposure. Additionally, disposing of it in a contaminated waste container would not appropriately contain the radiation.

06. Determine the most appropriate action.

Based on the evaluation, the most appropriate action for the nurse in this situation is option C: Use long-handled forceps to pick up the implant and then place it in a lead container. This action prioritizes nurse safety and the proper handling of the dislodged radium implant.

Key concepts

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer begins in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus connecting to the vagina. This type of cancer is most often caused by a persistent infection with certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Regular screening tests like the Pap smear and the HPV test help in early detection, improving the chances of successful treatment.

For those diagnosed with cervical cancer, treatment options can include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, a radium implant is used as part of brachytherapy, a form of radiation treatment. The implant delivers high doses of radiation directly to the cancer site, minimizing the exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. Consequently, correct handling and patient protocols become essential to ensure safety.

Nurse Protocol

When dealing with radiation treatments in healthcare settings, nurses follow strict protocols to ensure their safety and the safety of their patients. In this scenario, the primary goal is to promptly address any issues while minimizing radiation exposure.

Basic nurse protocol involves:

• Monitoring patients closely following implantation to observe for dislodgement.
• Immediate action if an implant becomes dislodged, such as using appropriate tools and methods to manage the situation.
• Ensuring they wear personal protective equipment if necessary, and knowing how to safely store or dispose of radioactive materials.

These protocols help prevent further health risks to both the patients and healthcare staff.

Radiation Exposure

Radiation exposure is a critical concern in the healthcare setting, especially when dealing with radioactive implants used in treatments like brachytherapy for cervical cancer. The main aim is to minimize unnecessary exposure to healthcare staff and patients.

Effective measures to manage radiation exposure include:

• Using tools like long-handled forceps to pick up dislodged implants to avoid direct contact.
• Placing any radioactive material in a lead container immediately to contain radiation and avoid further spread.
• Limiting the time spent in close proximity to radioactive sources.

It's important that healthcare professionals strictly adhere to these measures to protect themselves and the environment from potential radiation risks.

Patient Safety

Patient safety is a top priority in any medical setting, especially when handling procedures that include radiation exposure. Ensuring that a patient is shielded from unnecessary exposure is crucial, especially when an event such as an implant dislodgement occurs.

Key actions to maintain patient safety include:

• Quickly removing the patient from the vicinity of the dislodged implant to reduce further exposure.
• Ensuring proper containment of the radiation source to prevent exposure to the patient and healthcare staff.
• Monitoring the patient for any signs of radiation exposure or distress and providing immediate medical intervention if necessary.

Implementing these safety measures is vital to protect patients from potential harm and ensure their well-being during treatment.