Neuro-oncology update: radiation safety and nursing care during interstitial brachytherapy

Journal Article · Tue Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1987 · J. Neurosurg. Nurs.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/01376517-198712000-00007· OSTI ID:5396565

Randall, T M; Drake, D K; Sewchand, W

Radiation control and safety are major considerations for nursing personnel during the care of patients receiving brachytherapy. Since the theory and practice of radiation applications are not part of the routine curriculum of nursing programs, the education of nurses and other health care professionals in radiation safety procedures is important. Regulatory agencies recommend that an annual safety course be given to all persons frequenting, using, or associated with patients containing radioactive materials. This article presents pertinent aspects of the principles and procedures of radiation safety, the role of personnel dose-monitoring devices, and the value of additional radiation control features, such as a lead cubicle, during interstitial brain implants. One institution's protocol and procedures for the care of high-intensity iridium-192 brain implants are discussed. Preoperative teaching guidelines and nursing interventions included in the protocol focus on radiation control principles.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Maryland Medical Systems, Baltimore
• OSTI ID: 5396565
• Journal Information: J. Neurosurg. Nurs.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Neurosurg. Nurs.; (United States) Vol. 19:6; ISSN JNSNA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560151* -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Man
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BETA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
BETA-MINUS DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
BETA-PLUS DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
BODY
BRAIN
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
DAYS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
ELECTRON CAPTURE RADIOISOTOPES
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
HEAVY NUCLEI
INTERNAL CONVERSION RADIOISOTOPES
IRIDIUM 192
IRIDIUM ISOTOPES
ISOMERIC TRANSITION ISOTOPES
ISOTOPES
MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE
MEDICAL PERSONNEL
MEDICINE
MINUTES LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
MONITORING
NERVOUS SYSTEM
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
NUCLEI
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
ODD-ODD NUCLEI
ORGANS
PERSONNEL
RADIATION HAZARDS
RADIATION MONITORING
RADIATION PROTECTION
RADIOISOTOPES
RADIOLOGY
RADIOTHERAPY
RECOMMENDATIONS
SAFETY
SAFETY STANDARDS
STANDARDS
THERAPY
YEARS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES