Final answer:
Patients undergoing brachytherapy should be educated on minimizing time and maximizing distance from radiation sources, using shielding, following specific protocols for contact with others, decreasing radiation to the head from mobile phones, maintaining hygiene, and adhering to safety gear requirements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Brachytherapy Precautions and Self-care
Education for patients undergoing brachytherapy is crucial for ensuring safety and effective treatment. Brachytherapy involves the use of radioactive material implanted directly into or near the tumor to deliver targeted radiation. Here are some essential precautions and self-care instructions patients should be taught:
- Minimize time spent near the radiation source; less time equates to lower exposure.
- Maintain as much distance from the radiation source as feasible; radiation intensity diminishes with increased distance.
- Utilize appropriate shielding to reduce exposure, such as wearing lead aprons if instructed.
- Follow specific safety protocols if the treatment involves pellets/seeds that leave you radioactive, like avoiding close contact with others, especially pregnant women and children.
- Ensure the use of hands-free devices and keep mobile phones away from the body to decrease radiation to the head.
- Maintain proper personal hygiene, which can help with the management of any side effects.
- If safety gear is required for other activities following treatment, follow those protocols diligently.
Patients who receive brachytherapy, particularly with permanent seed implants, should understand that the implanted material will gradually stop emitting significant levels of radiation due to the radioactive seeds' short half-life. However, it's essential to follow medical advice on limiting exposure to others during the initial period after implantation.