A nurse is caring for a client who has lung cancer and has a sealed radiation implant. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply.)
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. Limit visitors to 30 min per day: Time restrictions help minimize radiation exposure to visitors. Short visits reduce the cumulative dose received, which is especially important for non-staff individuals who are not regularly monitored for radiation exposure. B. Instruct visitors who are pregnant to remain 3 feet from the client: Pregnant individuals should avoid close contact with radiation sources due to fetal sensitivity. Maintaining a 3-foot distance helps reduce exposure to scattered radiation from the sealed implant. C. Wear a lead apron when providing care: A lead apron provides protection against scatter radiation, particularly during direct, prolonged care. Nurses should also stand as far away from the source as possible and work efficiently to limit time near the implant. D. Place the client in a semi-private room: Clients with sealed radiation implants require a private room to protect others from radiation exposure. A semi-private room would place another patient at unnecessary risk and violates radiation safety protocols. E. Close the door to the client's room: Keeping the door closed helps contain radiation within the room, thereby protecting other individuals in the surrounding area. It is a standard precaution for clients receiving internal radiation therapy.