Question

A nurse answers the call bell of a client who has been fitted with an internal cervical radiation implant, and the client states that she thinks that the implant has fallen out. The nurse checks the client and sees the implant lying in the bed. Which action should the nurse take first?

a) Reinsert the implant into the cervix
b) Call for assistance from another nurse
c) Place the implant in a lead-lined container
d) Document the incident in the client's chart

Answer 1

The nurse should first place the fallen internal cervical radiation implant in a lead-lined container before calling for assistance. Documentation of the incident in the client's medical chart should follow.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a nurse discovers that an internal cervical radiation implant has fallen out, the first action the nurse should take is to place the implant in a lead-lined container. This is important to protect anyone in the vicinity from unnecessary exposure to radiation. Once the implant is secured, the nurse should then call for assistance from a medical professional who is trained to handle such incidents. Following these actions, it is crucial to document the event in the client's medical chart, including the time of the incident, the actions taken, and any observations or communications with the client.