Final answer:
For clients receiving radiation treatment, minimizing time exposed, increasing distance from the source, and maximizing shielding are key safety measures. Protective garments and shielded containers are used for additional protection. Adverse effects must be monitored and managed proactively.
Step-by-step explanation:
To ensure the safety of clients receiving radiation treatment, various radiation protection measures must be implemented. It is crucial to keep the client's time exposed to radiation as minimal as possible because the shorter the exposure period, the lower the radiation dose received. Additionally, maintaining maximum distance from the radiation source is important, as the intensity of radiation decreases with the square of the distance from the source, following the inverse square law. Utilizing appropriate shielding is also essential; materials such as lead aprons or walls can absorb radiation, thereby reducing exposure. Healthcare professionals commonly employ protective garments, such as heavy coats and gloves, and use shielded containers and syringes for storing and administering radioactive materials.
Adverse effects can include skin dryness, itchiness, hair loss, immunosuppression from reduced white blood cells, anemia from low red blood cells, gastrointestinal issues, dry mouth, and tooth decay. Understanding these potential side effects, proactive management and monitoring are vital components of patient care throughout the radiation therapy process.
It's imperative to recognize that while it is impossible to completely eliminate ionizing radiation exposure due to its presence in natural sources like cosmic radiation and medical procedures, employing these protective strategies effectively minimizes risks associated with radiation therapy.