Medical Surgical ATI Proctored Exam Related

Review Medical Surgical ATI Proctored Exam related questions and content

Jill Means, 36, has had a vaginal radium implant placed as one of the treatments for her cervical cancer. She calls to tell you that during a coughing spell it has 'been pushed out'. You should:

  • A. place signs on the door stating radioactivity danger.
  • B. have Jill reinsert the applicator like a tampon.
  • C. call the physician and apprise him of the situation.
  • D. use forceps to place the applicator in the receptacle.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Signs should be placed on the door after the implant has been done, and not just when the implant is dislodged. By picking the applicator up, Jill would experience burns on her fingers/hands that would be avoidable, so need to teach her not to do so. The applicator has been contaminated, it would not be replaced in any case. Calling the physician and apprising him would certainly be necessary, but would be done after the applicator has been taken care of. Lead containers should be available to place the applicator in, and forceps would be used to do so to protect from radiation burns.