Final answer:
When administering external teletherapy radiation to patients, it is important to consider target localization, dose calculation, and radiation safety measures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Administering teletherapy radiation to patients requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. Here are three important things to take into consideration:
- Target Localization: Precise targeting of the tumor is crucial in external beam therapy. The patient is three-dimensionally mapped using CT scans and x-rays, and alignment lasers are used to precisely locate the target. This ensures that the radiation beams are directed accurately to the tumor, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
- Dose Calculation: The radiation dose needs to be carefully calculated to achieve the desired therapeutic effect while minimizing side effects. Various factors, such as tumor size, location, and sensitivity, as well as the patient's overall health, must be taken into account to determine the appropriate radiation dose.
- Radiation Safety Measures: Since radiation is involved, safety measures must be strictly followed. This includes shielding to minimize radiation exposure to healthcare providers and other patients, increasing the distance from the radiation source, and limiting the time of exposure. Regular monitoring and assessment of patients are also essential to detect any potential side effects or complications.