RADIATION

THERAPY
Precautionary measures for Radiation TXT
1. Place patient in a private room.
2. Place a sign on the patient’s door and on the patient’s chart indicating that
the patient is receiving internal radiation therapy.
3. Observe principles of time and distance.
4. Check all linens, bedpans and emesis basin routinely to see if the sealed
source has been accidentally lost from the tissue.

Radiation Txt Sign

5. If sealed source is dislodged, but has not fallen out of the
patient’s body, notify the x-ray radiation department at
once.
If fallen out, do not pick it up with bare hands. Use forceps
and place it in a lead container.

6. Most patients are placed on bed rest and instructed to

remain in certain positions so that the emanations from
the element will reach the correct area.
7. Visitors will spend limited time in the room to 30 minutes daily, seeing that visitors
maintain a 6-foot distance from the radiation source.
8. Prohibit visits by children or pregnant visitors.

Special precautions – Patient receiving internal radiation therapy from an

unsealed source:
1. Observed the principles of time, distance and shielding for radiation protection.
2. Wear gloves when handling bedpans, bed linens and patient’s clothes.
3. Dispose of urine, feces and vomitus according to policy.
4. Handle dressings with forceps and dispose of them according to policy.
5. Follow hospital procedure for disposal of patient’s bed linens and clothing.
Common Side Effects of Radiation Therapy

External Radiation
Head and Neck
-irritation of oral mucous membranes with oral pain
and risk of infection.
-Loss of taste.
-Irritation of the pharynx and esophagus with
nausea and indigestion.
-Increase intracranial pressure.

Chest

- Inflammation of lung tissue with increase susceptibility to infection.

Abdomen
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia

Pelvis
- diarrhea, cystitis, sexual dysfunction, Urethral and rectal
stenosis

General Side Effects:

SKIN: change in texture and/or color, moist desquamation(rare);
alopecia
BLOOD: bone marrow depression with leucopenia, anemia and
thrombocytopenia.
Depressed Immune Function
Fatigue
Internal Radiation
General Effects:
1. Elevated temperature.
2. Cervical implant: Urinary frequency, diarrhea, nausea,
vomiting and anorexia.
3. Head and Neck: mucositis, oral pain and risk for
infection, anorexia.;
 Skin Care Treatment
1. Apply the special skin care lotion four times a day, starting immediately.
2. Do not wash off treatment markings. Tatoos, if done, are permanent.
3. Keep skin clean and dry. Expose the skin to air as much as possible.
4. Protect the skin in the treatment area from the sun and cold by using scarves, hats
or other clothing.
5. Cornstarch may be used for dry, itchy skin.
6. Irritated skin, a different lotion may be needed.
7. Bathing – clear water and pat dry. Use mild soap.
8. Clothing: wear soft, loose cotton clothing over the treatment area.
9. Shampooing – use baby shampoo.
10. Shaving – use electric razors.
11. Do not rub or scratch the skin in the treatment area.
12. Do not use lotions or creams not approved by the doctor.
13. Do not use deodorants, perfumes or make-up in the treatment area.
14. Do not use ice packs or heating pads
15. Do not use tape in the treatment area.
Lead Apron PPE

Dosimeter badge
 Post Removal of Source (Internal Radiation for
Cervix)
1. Betadine douche
2. Enema – to prevent constipation
3. Out of bed – may ambulate
4. Avoid direct sunlight
5. May use vaginal cream (hypoallergenic)

•May resume Sexual intercourse within 7-10 days