NURSING PROCEDURES

LOCATION OF PATIENT

It is important that patients undergoing certain types of therapies be located in rooms where other patients and members of the general public will not be exposed to excess radiation levels in adjacent areas. If measurements indicate unacceptable exposure levels, it will be necessary to make some patient location change such as moving the patient within the room or to another room. The nursing staff may be asked to assist in such procedures.

PATIENT CARE

Patient care during radionuclide therapy may be performed safely. Specific instructions will be posted for each patient. For some types of therapies, maximum occupational time limits at certain distances will be provided. It may, therefore, be necessary to perform some routine nursing procedures as efficiently as possible. Care should be taken, however, not to make the patient feel uncomfortable about your exposure from his/her treatment.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Specific instructions for patient care during radiation therapy treatments are contained in the appendix. In case a situation arises that may present a radiation hazard, (for instance contamination by urine, vomitus, etc. or a source becoming dislodged) immediately notify persons in the vicinity who may be effected, then call Radiation Safety. Phone numbers will be posted on the patient’s door and in the chart. After hours a message at the Radiation Safety Office number will give pager numbers. The Public Safety Office also has an emergency call list.

PREGNANT EMPLOYEES

Special radiation protection is available to all employees who are pregnant. If you wish such protection, you must declare your pregnancy to your supervisor in writing. The MCG Fetal Dose Policy incorporates safety information and radiation dose guidelines for the embryo/fetus of occupationally exposed women. A copy of the policy, a pregnancy declaration form and an information package is available through the Radiation Safety Office. Staff who are pregnant will not be assigned to care for certain types of radiotherapy patients.