Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy) – Flashcards

-organize care so that nurse/ staff exposure is kept to a minimum - limit time in room to max. of 30 minutes/ 8 hr. shift - exchange oral conversation from doorway -perform non-direct care outside of room (opening up meds) - rotate assignments to minimize exposure, provide care on opposite side of implant - never care for more than 1-2 radiation implant patients at a time. - no pregnant women or children under age of 18 y.o. limit visitors to 30-60 minutes/ day. visitors should stay at least 6 feet from source. - inspect all linens before discarding to make sure implant/ seeds have not been released, only change when soiled. save all linens, gowns, dressings, equipment, trash in patient's room until patient discharged.

as low as reasonably achievable by time, distance, shielding

precautions depend on dose delivered by implant - may emit low dose radiation for months - children/ pregnant women avoid close contact ( sitting on lap if prostate seeding) up to 2 months -carry wallet with radiation info. for length of time indicated by therapy team usually doesn't require special handling of excretions may experience fatigue

-80-120 radioactive seeds implanted -may experience sexual dysfunction and urinary problems - avoid sexual intercourse or use condom for up to 2 months -observe urine/ semen for expelled seeds - strain urine for 2 days. notify HCP if pass seed -may experience burning, urinary problems, rectal problems - maintain bed rest, with minimal movement

- Radioactive during time source is in place ( sealed source). half life is reached ( unsealed source) - place in private/ shielded room at end of hallway, if possible - if sealed source, fluids are not radioactive - if unsealed, fluids are radioactive ( do not share toilet, double flush, sit to void) - staff must wear individual dosimeter (film) badge (no sharing) when in room. post signage of patient's door. lead shield or apron if close contact - maintain bed-rest with minimal movement( cervical implant & some prostate implants) - HOB no higher than 20-30 degrees with cervical implant - avoid complete baths/ complete linen change ( unless soiled, may change under pad) - check position of source every 4 hours

do not touch with bare hands call hazardous waste team if available. if not available, use long- handled forceps (lead gloves) and place in lead container

maintain bed rest with minimal movement HOB no higher than 20-30 degrees

radioactive during time source is in place. when removed from body, patient is no longer radioactive fluids are not radioactive

half- life is reached. when removed, patient may still be radioactive for certain times. fluids are radioactive ( do not share toilet, double flush, sit to void)