Radiation protection is very important to implement when performing nursing procedures. When the nurse is not performing any nursing procedures, what distance should be maintained from the patient?

Appeared in: Chitranjjan National Cancer Institute Kolkata - 2021

Explanation

The fundamental principle of radiation safety is to maximize the distance from the source to minimize exposure.
Radiation exposure follows the inverse square law, meaning that if you double the distance from the source, the radiation dose rate drops to one-fourth of its original intensity.
A distance of 3 feet (approximately 1 meter) is a widely accepted minimum safe distance for healthcare staff to maintain from a patient with an internal radiation source when not providing direct hands-on care.
Choosing the greatest distance among the options is the safest and most appropriate nursing action.

Option A: This distance is far too close for safety when not performing a procedure. It would result in a significantly high and unnecessary level of radiation exposure.
Option B: While better than 1 foot, 2 feet is still within a zone of high radiation exposure and is less than the recommended minimum safe distance for non-procedural interactions.
Option C: This is still closer than the standard guideline of 3 feet. The goal is to maximize distance to adhere to the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Radiation safety principles for nurses to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Nurses must strictly adhere to the principles of Time, Distance, and Shielding when caring for patients with internal radiation sources (brachytherapy) to protect themselves, other staff, and visitors.
All personnel assigned to care for patients receiving internal radiation must wear a personal dosimeter badge to monitor their cumulative radiation exposure, which is reviewed regularly by the radiation safety officer.
Visitors should also be instructed to limit their time and maintain a distance of at least 3-6 feet. Pregnant individuals and children should not be allowed to visit.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it's asking for a specific safety measure ('distance') related to 'radiation protection'.
Recall the three cardinal principles of radiation safety: Time, Distance, and Shielding.
The question focuses on the 'Distance' principle. The rule is to maximize the distance from the radiation source to minimize exposure.
Evaluate the given options: 1 foot, 2 feet, 2.5 feet, and 3 feet.
Since the goal is to maximize distance, the largest value presented in the options is the safest and most correct choice.
Select 3 feet as it provides the most protection and aligns with standard safety guidelines for non-procedural interactions.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q3LgfykxKhUiYTq_UidbDC

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 2 Part 3 p. 76-78

Practise the full Chitranjjan National Cancer Institute Kolkata - 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.