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:
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.