Question

A nurse is planning care for a client who is undergoing brachytherapy via a sealed vaginal implant to treat endometrial cancer. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?

1) Monitor the client for signs of infection
2) Administer pain medication as needed
3) Educate the client about potential side effects of brachytherapy
4) Assist the client with daily activities as needed

Answer 1

The nurse should include actions such as monitoring for infection, administering pain medication, and educating the client about potential side effects in the client's plan of care for brachytherapy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should include the following actions in the client's plan of care for brachytherapy:

1. Monitor the client for signs of infection: Since the client has a sealed vaginal implant, monitoring for any signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or discharge is important to ensure prompt treatment.
2. Administer pain medication as needed: Brachytherapy can cause discomfort, so it is important for the nurse to provide pain medication as needed to alleviate any discomfort or pain the client may experience.
3. Educate the client about potential side effects of brachytherapy: The nurse should educate the client about potential side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and changes in bowel or bladder habits so that the client is prepared and knows what to expect during the treatment.