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.