Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE) PN-RN Practice Test

Which strategies are appropriate when caring for a patient with a radioactive implant?

1. Plan to minimize time spent in the room

2. Limit patient's visitors to two hours

3. Wear a dosimeter and appropriate protection

4. Tell the patient to avoid ringing the bell

The correct answer is: Plan to minimize time spent in the room

Minimizing the time spent in the room when caring for a patient with a radioactive implant is an essential safety strategy. This approach reduces the healthcare provider's exposure to radiation, as radiation exposure is cumulative. By limiting the time spent near the radioactive source, medical staff can significantly decrease the potential for harmful effects associated with radiation exposure. In addition to time management, other safety measures are also relevant when caring for these patients. For instance, wearing a dosimeter helps to monitor the amount of radiation exposure a healthcare provider receives, while wearing appropriate protective gear offers a physical barrier against radiation. While managing visitors and instructing patients about certain activities are important, they do not directly correlate with the critical goal of reducing provider exposure to radiation. Thus, choosing to minimize time spent in the vicinity of the radioactive implant is a crucial and effective strategy in ensuring safety for both the patient and the healthcare personnel.