The nurse is caring for a client who has a sealed radiation implant for cervical cancer. Which activities by the nurse are appropriate? (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. Inform the supervisor of the nurse's posi-tive pregnancy test.
b. Obtain the dosimeter badge from the nurse going off shift.
c. Keep the client's door open for frequent observation.
d. Dispose of dirty linen in a red "biohazard" bag.
e. Wear a lead apron while providing client care.

Answer 1

A, E
Pregnant nurses should never care for clients with sealed implants of radioactive material, so if the nurse suspects she is pregnant, she should inform her supervisor and request a different as-signment. Nurses should wear lead aprons while providing care, ensuring that the apron always faces the client. Each nurse should have his or her own dosimeter film badge. The client's door should be kept closed whenever possible and dirty linens kept in the client's room until the radi-ation source is removed.