3. Radiation

what is radiation therapy?

high-energy ionizing beams used to kill cancer cells

• also affect healthy cells in the treated area

what is brachytherapy?

internal high dose radiation placed within or next to the cancer site

• used for control, cure, palliation

why would a patient receiving palliative care have radiation for a large abdominal tumor? *

shrink the tumor to relieve pressure and improve comfort

side effects of radiation therapy

• radiation dermatitis

• hyperpigmentation

• alopecia

• mucositis

• fatigue

types of radiation dermatitis

• dry desquamation = erythema and flaking

• wet desquamation = erythema and oozing of serous fluid

what skin care is needed during radiation therapy?

• assess skin

• wash with mild soap and water, pat dry

• moisturize with nonmedicated, nonperfumed lotions or creams

• use gentle detergents

what should patients avoid on skin receiving radiation?

• sun exposure

• tape, bandages, and tight clothing

• rubbing or friction

• ointments with heavy metals (zinc oxide)

what are the cardinal rules of radiation protection? *

• time: limit exposure to shortest period possible

• distance: stay farther from the source

• shielding: use protective lead barriers

how much time should the nurse spend with a patient receiving brachytherapy? *

less than 30 minutes/day

• keep exposure as short as possible

how far should the nurse stay from a patient receiving brachytherapy? *

at least 6 feet away whenever possible

what shielding protects against radiation exposure? *

protective lead barriers

• lead aprons, gloves, and thyroid shields

_____ staff should NOT be assigned to patients with internal radiation

pregnant