Nursing Care in RAI Therapy

Human wastes of patients receiving I-131 should be considered radioactive

• TRUE
• FALSE
• MAYBE

Body Fluids (sweat, tears, saliva, etc) of patients receiving I-131 are considered radioactive

• TRUE
• FALSE
• MAYBE

Which of the following indicates your understanding of the radioactive tendencies of human wastes and body fluids?

• Flush the toilet 3 times after each use
• Ask housekeeper to disinfect and thoroughly clean any spilled body fluids
• Dispose used tissue to designated radioactive waste bin of flush on closed toilet
• Wear Level 4 PPE (Respirator, Coveralls, Scrub Suit, Face shield)
• Take a bath at least twice a day to remove sweat from scalp and other body parts

What are the three (3) Basic Elements of Radiation Safety?

• Time
• Radioactive waste disposal
• Shielding / PPE
• Use of Pen Dosimeters
• Distance

Select three (3) actions that demonstrate the nurse's understanding of these Basic Elements of Radiation Safety?

• The nurse observes clustered activity for every limited visit to perform important nursing care
• The nurse observes a distance of at least 3 feet from the patient, as much as possible
• Lead apron/gown and neck collars are worn for protection
• The nurse never visits the patient and just settle for phone calls to inquire patient's nees
• The nurse settles with 1 feet distance for every visit

The patient called the nurse using his room's telephone. He asked whether the trash bins can be collected by the housekeeper 2x a day. Which of the following is the correct response?

• "Sure. It is important to keep your room clean"
• "They are not permitted to enter the room unless extremely necessary, and must be cleared by the NucMed staff
• I'm afraid their entry would require PPEs that may add extra cost to your bill"
• "I will call housekeeping to see if they can do so"

Your patient has just received his I-131 treatment. Out of boredom, he asked you to accompany him to Starbucks for a cup of coffee since he is stable, anyway. Which response indicates the nurse's understanding of radioactivity principles?

• "Sure. Maybe I can ask someone to accompany you and both of you should wear your lead gowns"
• "Just have them delivered to your room. I'll give you their local number"
• I'm afraid you are not allowed to go outside your room until the NucMed staff clears you"
• "You may be allowed to go outside after 24 hours"

Which of the following statement made by the nurse would demonstrate her understanding of body fluid radioactivity?

• "Only disposable eating utensils should be given to the patient"
• "Silverwares should be washed twice and treated on dishwasher-steamers
• "No sharp eating ware should be given to patient"
• All of the above

Which of the following staff should never be assigned to a RAI or Y-90 patient?

• Pregnant staff
• Nurse with hyperthyroidism
• Diabetic Nurse
• Nurse with Grave's disease