Question

A client with prostate cancer is being treated with iridium seed implants. The nurse's discharge teaching should include telling the client to:

Strain his urine
Increase his fluid intake
Report urinary frequency
Avoid prolonged sitting

Answer 1

A client with prostate cancer being treated with iridium seed implants should be instructed to strain urine, increase fluid intake, report urinary frequency, and avoid prolonged sitting.

Step-by-step explanation:

Brachytherapy, or seed implantation, is a form of internal radiation treatment used to treat prostate cancer. It involves placing radioactive seeds, such as iridium-192, in the prostate region. The seeds deliver high doses of radiation and are removed after a specified period of time.

Therefore, for a client receiving iridium seed implants, the nurse's discharge teaching should include the following:

1. Strain urine to check for any signs of blood or abnormal discharge.
2. Increase fluid intake to help flush out any radioactive material.
3. Report any urinary frequency or changes in urinary patterns to the healthcare provider.
4. Avoid prolonged sitting to minimize the risk of discomfort or pressure on the prostate region.