NURSES ROLES IN

RADIATION
THERAPY PREPARED BY:
ROJINA TAMANG (30)
SUMINA THAPA (33)
REJINA THING(34)
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS IN
EXTERNAL RADIOTHERAPY (1/2)
1.It is important that the patient receive an explanation of the procedure and precautions.
2.Orient the patient and family in advance, answer their questions and reassure them that the
treatments are well controlled and adequate protection is used.
3.Following the treatment, observe for possible reactions.
4.Instruct and suggest care of the skin.
5.Avoid patient to contact with other persons with infections.
6.General supportive care applicable to all patients receiving radiotherapy include extra rest, an
increase fluid intake and a high calorie, high protein, high vitamin diet.
7.When reaction develops, reassure that they are not unexpected and are notan indication of a
recurrence or worsening of his cancerous disease.
 NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES IN INTERNAL
RADIOTHERAPY(2/2)
1.An explanation to the patient of the procedure and the precautions.
2.Place the patient in isolation in a single room and indicate that no visitors are allowed.
3.Provide a telephone and radio or television and reading materials.
4.In close contact with patient always wear a lead apron or gown and rubber gloves.
5.Wear a monitoring badge which records the amount of radiation received by the
patient.
6.Visit patient once in a while.
7.Nurse should wash hands thoroughly after any contact with patient and other
equipment
FOR CLIENTS UNDERGOING RADIATION:
-Clients with radioactive implants are a source of radiation to the immediate environment.
-The nurse who is in close contact with such clients also needs to wear a lead apron.
-Nurses must deal safely with radioactive body discharges by wearing gloves and in some instances placing
excreta in containers for special disposal.
-The nurse must wash gloved hands well before and after removing the gloves and placed contaminated
materials in a special containers for special disposal.
-Nurses must make sure they understand treatment and the precautions they need to take. Often such
clients are restricted to bed or to a confined area to protect others.
-The clients needs emotional support to deal with the precautions and will likely accept treatments and
precautions better when they know what will happen, when and why.
-Exposure of the reproductive organs of mice and rabbits to X rays has caused gene mutations that resulted
in malformed offsprings and geneticist believe that comfortable effects can occur in humans
 NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES DURING RADIATION THERAPY (1/7)

1.Provide education :
-Many manifestations of radiation therapy do not develop until approximately 10-14
days. And some do not subside until several weeks after treatment.
-We should explains the procedure, delivery of radiation, describe the equipment, the
duration and the possible need of immobilizing the patient.
2. Minimize side effects :
-In women of child bearing age, RT may cause prolonged or permanent infertility.
And in prostate radiotherapy, when radioactive seeds have been implanted, there is
low, weakly penetrating radiation for others.
 NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES DURING RADIATION THERAPY (2/7)

- Therefore the client should use a condom for sexual intercourse in the first few
weeks after the procedure.
-Also the client should avoid close contact (<6 feet) contact with pregnant women and
young children (younger than 3 years) for more than 5minutes a day during the first 2
months following implantation.
-If systemic symptoms occur, such as weakness and fatigue occur, the patient may
need assistance with ADL and personal hygiene.
 NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES DURING RADIATION THERAPY(3/7)

3.Provide a non-stressful environment:

-Some people who receive radiation to the head and neck experiences redness and
irritation in the mouth, a dry mouth, dysphagia, changes in taste or nausea.
-Other possible side effects include a loss of taste, earaches and swelling.
-Skin texture might change and jaws may feel stiff.
4.Dental care :
-If patient wear dentures, they may no longer fit well because of swollen gums. If
dentures cause gum sores patient need to stop wearing them until radiation therapy is
over because sores can become infected.
NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES DURING RADIATION THERAPY(4/7)

-Clean teeth and gums thoroughly with a very soft toothbrush after meals and at
least once a day.
-Use fluoride toothpaste that contains no abrasives.
-Rinse mouth well with cool water.
-Apply fluoride regularly as prescribed by dentist.
5. Many patients may feel tired due to the radiation therapy which can affect
their emotions
6.Patients might feel depressed, afraid, angry, frustrated, alone or helpless
-Peer support groups may meet at hospital
NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES DURING RADIATION THERAPY(5/7)

7. Side effects can include eating and digestion problems. Patient may
completely lose interest in food during treatment.
- Radiation therapy may cause anorexia which may lead to inadequate nutrition
and hydration so small frequent feedings or use of nutritional supplements may
be required to maintain adequate nutrition.
- Patient receives a low residue diet to prevent frequent bowel movements.
- Eat several small meals during the day rather than 2 or 3 large meals.
-Vary diet and try new recipes.
NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES DURING RADIATION THERAPY(6/7)

8. Nutrition:
- To promote retention of nutrients, administer antiemetics as prescribed.
- Encourage high calorie meals when child is least likely to be nauseated. Praise
a child’s effort to eat.
- Provide foods identified by child as special favorites.
- Serve easy to swallow food at tolerable temperature.
- If mucous membrane of mouth, pharynx or esophagus is irradiated,
modification of diet to bland, soft, or liquid foods will be necessary; mouth is
rinsed frequently with a mild alkaline mouthwash; teeth are gently cleansed with
absorbent cotton or gauze rather than the usual brush.
 NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES DURING RADIATION THERAPY(7/7)

8. For lactating mothers undergoing radiation therapy:

-Advise patient not to breastfeed to prevent adverse effects to fetus.
-Advise patient to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
-Monitor nutritional status.
9.Miscellaneous:
-A urinary catheter will be in place (if ordered) and must be inspected frequently to
ensure that it drains properly.
-Any profuse discharge should be reported immediately to the radiation oncologist
or gynecologic surgeon.
THANK YOU!!!!