A nurse is planning care for a client who has a sealed radiation implant and is to remain in the hospital for 1 week. Which of the following should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Limit each of the client's visitors to 1 hr per day: Visitor restrictions for clients with sealed radiation implants typically focus on limiting cumulative exposure to radiation rather than a strict daily time limit. The exact duration may vary, but monitoring personal exposure is more critical for staff safety. B. Remove dirty linens from the room after double bagging: For sealed radiation implants, the radioactive source remains contained, and linens are not highly radioactive. Standard precautions are sufficient, so special double-bagging is not required unless the linens are contaminated with bodily fluids. C. Wear a dosimeter film badge while in the client's room: Staff who care for clients with sealed radiation implants must wear a dosimeter to monitor cumulative radiation exposure. This ensures that occupational safety limits are not exceeded and provides documentation of exposure levels, which is a key safety measure in the plan of care. D. Ensure family members remain at least 1 m (3.2 feet) from the client: Family members may need limited exposure, but strict distance alone is not sufficient for safety or required for all types of sealed implants. Staff exposure monitoring via dosimeter is more critical, as they spend more time in the room and are at greater risk for cumulative exposure.