Final answer:
To ensure safety when removing vaginal radium seeds, a nurse should wear protective gear, limit exposure time, maintain distance, use specialized tools, and follow proper disposal protocols for radioactive materials.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assisting with the removal of a client's vaginal radium seeds, a nurse would employ several safety precautions. These procedures are to ensure the safety of the client and the medical personnel due to the radioactive nature of radium seeds used in brachytherapy.
First and foremost, the nurse must wear appropriate protective gear, including lead aprons and gloves, to protect against radiation. It's also important to limit the time spent near the radiation source and to maintain a safe distance whenever possible.
Another safety measure is the use of specialized tools to prevent direct hand contact with the radioactive seeds. Additionally, proper disposal protocols for radioactive materials must be followed strictly to avoid any contamination or unnecessary exposure.