RADIATION SAFETY

SELF-LEARNING PACKAGE
FOR THE ANNUAL RECERTIFICATION OF HEALTH CARE
WORKERS PROVIDING CARE FOR PATIENTS RECEIVING
RADIATION THERAPY TREATMENTS

2007 Revision
Table of Contents

PRETEST 1
True/False 1
Terms You Should Know 1
THE BASICS 2
The Atom and Radioactive Decay 2
Radiation Therapy 3
Radiation Therapy Applications 4
Brachytherapy Sources 5
RADIATION SAFETY 6
Terms and Units 6
Contamination versus Exposure 7
Applying Time, Distance and Shielding 8
The Radiation Safety Office 9
Radiation Monitoring Devices 10
Regulatory Requirements 11
Visitors of Patients 12
Handling Emergency Situations 13
NURSING CARE 14
Nursing Standards of Care – General Radiation Safety 14
Nursing Standards of Care – I-131 radiopharmaceutical 15
Nursing Standards of Care – I-125 brachytherapy 16
POST TEST 17
REFERENCES 18
RECERTIFICATION SIGN-OFF SHEET 19

RE-CERTIFICATION OF HEALTH CARE RADIATION WORKERS

Any the following meets the annual recertification in radiation safety requirement.
• Complete this self learning package and take the associated exam.
o To pass the exam you will have to correctly identify several brachytherapy
sources and achieve 85% or better on the patient care portion of the exam.
o Exam may be taken on-line at CPD.uc.edu, as a walk-in at the Radiation
Safety Office or during a scheduled exam proxy session. (schedule on RSOf
website www.uc.edu/radsafety)
o If the exam is failed twice one of the other recertification options must be
used
• Attend a 1-hour didactic training session presented by the Radiation Safety
Office. (schedule on RSOf website www.uc.edu/radsafety)
• Attend the initial 3-hour certification training course presented by the Radiation
Safety Office. (schedule on RSOf website www.uc.edu/radsafety)

2007 Revision
PRETEST
TRUE/FALSE
(Answer true or false to the following questions)
1. Brachytherapy is the therapy method in which a radioactive True False
source is placed on or within the tumor.

2. All radionuclides emit gamma rays. True False

3. Beta particles are penetrating rays of energy that have an True False
unlimited range and can penetrate all body surfaces.

4. The radioactive half-life of a radionuclide refers to the time True False

required for a radionuclide to lose 50% of its activity by
decay.

5. Sealed radioactive sources contain the radioactive material True False

and generally do not present a contamination problem.

6. Iodine-131 is used as an unsealed source in the treatment of True False

thyroid disease (cancer and benign diseases).

7. After a temporary, implanted radioactive source is removed True False

by the radiation oncologist, radiation precautions are no
longer necessary.

8. Alpha particles represent the greatest external hazard. True False

9. Time, distance, and shielding must be utilized to reduce the True False
external exposure of radiation when caring for an implant
patient.

10. A radiation dosimeter provides protection from radiation True False

exposure.

TERMS YOU SHOULD KNOW

(Match the following terms)
ionizing radiation A. As low as is reasonably achievable.
Rem B. A unit to express radiation dose.
ALARA C. As low as reasonably acceptable.
Exposure D. Radioactive material where it should not be.
Contamination E. Being exposed to ionizing radiation.
F. Alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, X-rays and
other particles capable of producing ions.

Page 1 of 19
2007 Revision
THE BASICS

THE ATOM AND RADIOACTIVE DECAY

Radiation dose can be delivered through the use of radioactive material. Radioactive material are
compounds where one or more atoms is a radionuclide. Radionuclides are unstable forms of
atoms. Each radionuclide emits specific types of radiation that differ in their energy and
penetrating capabilities. The specific types of radiation which may be emitted include alpha
particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. For therapeutic use gamma rays and beta particles are
most useful.
Alpha particles: Alpha particles are heavy particles that can be blocked by the outer layer of the
skin, a thin piece of paper, or a piece of clothing. Alpha particles lose energy quickly and have
poor penetrating ability. Radionuclides that emit alpha particles are rarely used in medicine and
cannot be used in brachytherapy because the alpha particle will be stopped by the encapsulations.
Beta particles: Beta particles are much lighter than alpha particles. Beta particles can penetrate
several layers of skin, but can be shielded by the body’s surface. Therefore, beta particles emitted
within the body are prevented from traveling outside the body. Beta particles are more
penetrating than alphas particles but less penetrating than gamma rays.
Gamma and X-rays: Gamma and X-ray rays are very penetrating rays of energy (photons) that
have an unlimited range and can penetrate all body surfaces. Higher energy gamma rays (e.g.,
from cesium-137 and iodine-131) are more penetrating and require thicker shielding than lower
energy gamma and x-rays rays (e.g., from iodine-125). Gamma rays present the greatest external
hazard.
The Penetrating Power of Radiation
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Lead
α ++ Alpha

β− Beta

γ Gamma

______________________________________________________________________________
SELF-EVALUATION QUESTIONS
Gamma rays can penetrate body tissue and
True False
therefore represent an external hazard.
Name three types of radiation emitted from ♦
radionuclides. ♦
♦
Are alpha emitters routinely used in
Yes No
medicine?
Name two radiation emissions that can be ♦
stopped by the skin. ♦

Page 2 of 19
2007 Revision
RADIATION THERAPY
Radiation therapy kills cancer cells with a radiation source. Radiation therapy is used to improve
control of local disease, treat areas at high risk for recurrence of the cancer, preserve vital organ
function and minimize normal surrounding tissue damage. The radiation can be delivered by an
implant of encapsulated radioactive material near the cancer cells---a procedure called
brachytherapy (BRAY-kee-THAIR-uh-pee) or through the use of a radioactive compound called
a radiopharmecutical.

Brachytherapy may be referred to as internal radiation therapy or implant therapy. It is defined

as the method of therapy in which the radioactive source is placed on or within the tumor. This
placement can be temporary or permanent. Brachytherapy uses sealed sources in the form of a
needle, seed, or wire. Sealed sources encapsulate the radioactive material therefore for
brachytherapy body secretions are not radioactive and contamination is not a concern. Sealed
sources used in brachytherapy emit gamma rays and may emit beta particles.
Radiopharmaceuticals: A radiopharmaceutical is an unsealed radioactive drug and is
administered orally or intravenously. Contamination is a concern for radiation therapy involving
radiopharmaceuticals.

It is important to know whether a radioactive source is sealed or unsealed, and if the implant is
temporary or permanent. With the above information, the Health Care radiation worker can
provide care in the safest environment.
Sealed sources contain the radioactive material and generally do not present a contamination
problem; are used for brachytherapy and may be used for temporary or permanent implants.
Unsealed sources are uncontained radioactive material and may present a contamination hazard.
Temporary implants sealed sources are placed into a specific area, for a specific amount of
time. After the specified time has elapsed, the radiation sources are removed.
Permanent implants the sealed source implants remain in the patient.

SELF-EVALUATION QUESTIONS
Is it important for the nurse to know whether a Yes No
radioactive source is sealed or unsealed?
What type of radioactive source presents a sealed unsealed
potential contamination hazard?
Are radionuclides with long half-lives permanent temporary
generally used for temporary or permanent
implants?
Radiopharmaceuticals are what type of sealed unsealed
source?
Secretions from a patient who is being treated Yes No
with a brachytherapy sealed source are
radioactive and are a contamination concern?
Brachytherapy is performed with what type of sealed unsealed
source?
Sealed sources emit alpha particles? Yes No

Page 3 of 19
2007 Revision
RADIATION THERAPY APPLICATIONS

Recent Radiation Therapy Applications at CCHMC

Radionuclide Therapy type Description Half-life Typical therapy for
Iodine 125 ♦ brachytherapy ♦ sealed source 60 days ♦eye cancers
(I-125) ♦ Temporary implant ♦ gamma emitter ♦soft tissue cancers
♦ seeds
Phosphorous ♦ radiopharmaceutical ♦ unsealed source 14 days ♦brain cysts
32 (P-32) ♦ administered by ♦ beta emitter ♦intracavitary cancers
injection ♦polycythemia vera
Iodine 131 ♦ radiopharmaceutical ♦ unsealed source 8 days ♦thyroid cancer
(I-131) ♦ administered by mouth ♦ beta and gamma ♦neuroblastoma
or injection emitter

Other Common Radiation Therapy Applications

Radionuclide Type of implant Description Half- Typical therapy for
life*
Cesium 137 • brachytherapy • sealed source 30 years ♦GYN cancers
(Cs-137) • temporary implant • gamma emitter ♦head & neck cancers
• needles or tubes ♦esophageal cancers
Iridium 192 • temporary • sealed source 74 days ♦breast cancer
(Ir-192) • beta & gamma ♦head & neck cancers
emitter ♦bronchogenic cancers
• seeds attached on a ♦GYN cancers
wire
Iodine 125 • permanent • sealed source 60 days ♦prostate cancers
(I-125) • gamma emitter ♦brain cysts
• seeds
Palladium 103 • permanent • sealed source 17 days ♦prostate cancer
(Pd-103) • gamma emitter
• seeds
Strontium 89 • ♦radiopharmaceutical ♦unsealed source 50 days ♦cancers that have
(Sr-89) • ♦administered by ♦beta emitter metastasized to the
injection bone

SELF-EVALUATION QUESTIONS
Name the radionuclide used for temporary
brachytherapy implants at CCHMC.
What is the half-life of Iodine-125?
Name the radionuclide most commonly used
for thyroid cancer.
Which of the following radionuclides would
I-131 P-32 Ir-192
require you to limit the time spent with the
patient because it is a gamma-emitting
radiation source? (check all that apply) Cs-137 Pd-103 I-125

Page 4 of 19
2007 Revision
BRACHYTHERAPY SOURCES
The appearance of Cs-137 brachytherapy sources are described as large needles or needle-sized
tubes. Iodine-125 and palladium-103 brachytherapy sources can be described as silver colored
tomato-sized “seeds.” Iridium-192 brachytherapy sources look like a string of “seeds” with the
appearance of a wire. Using these descriptions identify the brachytherapy sources?

1. ___________________________________________

2. ________________________________

3. _______________________________

Page 5 of 19
2007 Revision
RADIATION SAFETY
TERMS AND UNITS
Contamination: Contamination is the deposition of unwanted radioactive material on the
surfaces of structures, areas, objects or personnel and includes all radioactive material deposited
where it should not be.

Curie: The curie is a unit of radioactivity or amount. A curie equals 3.7 x 1010 disintegrations
per second. The most common use is the millicurie, which is 1/1000 of a curie and the
microcurie, which is 1/1000000 of a curie.

Decontamination: Decontamination is the reduction or removal of radioactive material from a

structure, surface, area, object or person. Decontamination may be accomplished by treating
(e.g., cleaning) the area, removing the contaminated area and disposing as radioactive waste, or
allowing the radioactive material to decay.

Exposure: Radiation is energy and is emitted from all radioactive materials. Exposure means
being exposed to ionizing radiation or radioactive material.

Half-life, radioactive: Half-life is the time required for a radioactive substance to lose 50
percent of its activity by decay. Each radionuclide has a unique half-life.

Pig: A pig is a container (usually lead) used to ship or store radioactive material. The container
provides protection to a person handling the container from the radioactive material within the
container.

Radiation: Energy emitted from a radioactive substance.

Rem: Rem is a unit of radiation dose. The most common use is the millirem, which is 1/1000 of
a rem.

SELF-EVALUATION QUESTIONS
Radiation is defined as -
What is measured in units that refer to the rate
at which a radionuclide decays or loses its
radioactivity?
Contamination is radioactive material where it
True False
should not be.
The unit of radiation dose is?
Shielded containers used to store or ship
radioactive sources are called?

Page 6 of 19
2007 Revision
CONTAMINATION VERSUS EXPOSURE
Radiation exposure and contamination are two very different concepts that must be understood
to safely provide care to radiation therapy patients. Radiation is energy and is emitted from all
radionuclides. All radiation therapy patients generate radiation exposure. Consequently, a Health
Care radiation worker providing care to a patient receiving a radiopharmaceutical and/or
brachytherapy may be exposed to radiation and the Health Care radiation worker should use
radiation protection procedures applicable to the radiation exposure. Contamination is the
deposition of unwanted radioactive material on the surfaces of structures, areas, objects, or
personnel. Sealed sources generate radiation exposure but do NOT present a contamination risk
as long as the external casing remains intact. Radiopharmaceuticals and other unsealed sources
generate radiation exposure and routinely present a contamination risk. Sources of contamination
from radiopharmaceuticals include body fluids or leakage from the injection site.

Radiation Exposure Potential

Radiation Source Contamination Risk Potential
When Providing Patient Care
Cesium 137 needle and/or tube
Yes No
(Cs-137)
Iridium 192 ribbon
Yes No
(Ir-192)
Iodine 125 seed High activity – Yes
No
(I-125) Low activity – No, body shields
Palladium 103 seed
Low activity – No, body shields No
(Pd-103)
Phosphorous as a
Yes – if P-32 leaks out or may be
radiopharmaceutical No – body shields
present in body fluids
(P-32)
Iodine 131 as a
Yes – I-131 is present in all body
radiopharmaceutical Yes
fluids
(I-131)
Strontium 89 as a
Yes – may be present in body
radiopharmaceutical No – body shields
fluids
(Sr-89)

SELF-EVALUATION QUESTIONS
What three radiation sources may result in a
contamination risk?
Radiation is energy emitted from
True False
radionuclides.
Radiation exposure is generated from all
True False
radiation therapy patients.
Radiation contamination is generated from all
True False
radiation therapy patients.

Page 7 of 19
2007 Revision
APPLYING TIME, DISTANCE AND SHIELDING
The principles of time, distance, and shielding shall be used to keep your exposure as low as is
reasonably achievable (ALARA). These principles are most effective for gamma-emitting
radionuclides since the patient’s body provides shielding for beta-emitting radionuclides.
Minimize Time: Radiation dose is a function of the time spent near a radiation source. The
shorter the time someone is near a radiation source, the smaller the radiation dose. Time spent
with a radiation therapy patient shall be limited to the time necessary to provide appropriate care.
Visitation time is limited to the visitor stay time posted on the patient’s door.
Maximize Distance: In radiation safety, distance is the amount of space between you and the
radiation source. Increasing the distance from the radiation source results in decreased radiation
exposure. To maximize distance from the radiation source stand several feet away from patient
while providing indirect care, work/provide direct care from the opposite side of the bed of the
implant site for patients.

Use Shielding: Shielding is defined as the placement of a protective material between the
radiation source and yourself. Lead is the most frequently used material for shielding. The
thickness of the lead and the energy of the gamma ray determines the degree of protection. A
lead shield can be cumbersome when performing procedures and can increase the amount of time
spent with the patient. A lead shield in the room should be used as a reminder to limit time and
increase distance. Examples of shielding patient’s body and skull, lead shield positioned in
room, lead-lined cap and eye shield. Lead shields are positioned by Radiation Oncology,
Nuclear Medicine or Radiation Safety to provide the maximum radiation protection to personnel.
Direct patient care shall be provided behind the lead shielding and/or as far as reasonably
possible from the source. Positioned lead shields are to be moved/repositioned in the patient’s
room and/or removed from the patient’s room only by Radiation Oncology, Nuclear Medicine or
Radiation Safety.

SELF-EVALUATION QUESTIONS
What does ALARA stand for?
To decrease radiation exposure a Health
Care radiation worker needs to __ the
Increase Decrease
amount of time in the room with a
radiation therapy patient.
To decrease radiation exposure a Health
Care radiation worker needs to __ his/her Increase Decrease
distance from the radiation source.
As the distance between a Health Care
radiation worker and a radiation source Increases Decreases
increases, the radiation exposure
A shield between a gamma-emitting
radiation source and a Health Care Increase Decrease
radiation worker causes the radiation
exposure to
Who may position/reposition shielding?

Page 8 of 19
2007 Revision
THE RADIATION SAFETY OFFICE
The Radiation Safety Office (RSOf) plays a significant role in radiation safety. The Radiation
Safety Office develops and implements proper radiation safety procedures. The following is a list
of some of the duties performed by the Radiation Safety Office to assist Health Care radiation
workers keep their doses ALARA.
• posts and de-posts patient rooms with radiation signage and precautions
• determines dose rates at specific distance from the patient
• determines “stay” time visitors are allowed with the patient
• determines the length of time the patient must be under radiation precautions
• monitors personnel exposure to radiation
• provides personnel monitors
• monitors the environment to protect staff and public from radiation exposure
• advises staff about radiation safety issues
• performs any necessary patient room preparations
• decontaminates radiopharmaceutical therapy patient rooms
• participates in the ongoing education of staff who work with radionuclides
• assists in the oversight of incidents involving radiation sources

In addition the Radiation Safety Office:

• ensures required Ohio Department of Health (ODH) documentation is completed
• ensures that current practices and policies adhere to ODH regulations
• assesses and evaluates any radiation incidents and/or emergencies

A member of the Radiation Safety Office is available 24/7. The Radiation Safety Office is
available during normal University of Cincinnati business hours (Monday through Friday 8:00
am to 5:00 pm) by phone at 558-4110. The Radiation Safety Office has a technician on call via
pager 24/7. The digital pager number is 249-6812. When you call the number leave a call back
number.
Department Daytime Number Pager number
Radiation Safety
558-4110 249-6812 (Digital) 24-Hour RSOf technician on-call
Office (RSOf)

SELF-EVALUATION QUESTIONS
How do I reach the Radiation Safety
Office during evening hours?
The Radiation Safety Office posts and de-
Increase Decrease
posts patient rooms.

Page 9 of 19
2007 Revision
RADIATION MONITORING DEVICES
Personnel and environmental monitoring is an important part of radiation safety. Monitoring
devices do not provide protection from radiation exposure. Monitoring devices provide
information about the degree of radiation hazard, the appropriateness and effectiveness of safety
precautions and whether the safety practices accomplished the objective.

Personnel monitoring is accomplished through the use of a personal radiation dosimeter and/or
the personal dosimeter monitor (PDM). Personal radiation dosimeters are after the fact monitors
and require processing by a vendor prior to obtaining the radiation dose. The personal radiation
dosimeter used under the University of Cincinnati Radiation Control and Safety Program to
monitor the amount of whole-body radiation exposure the wearer received is the Luxel
dosimeter. The Luxel dosimeter must be worn on the trunk of the body when providing care to a
patient who is under radiation precautions. The Luxel dosimeter is only to be worn by the
individual for whom it is assigned, is not to be worn during non-occupational radiation exposure
(e.g., person’s medical X-rays) and must be stored in a low-background location. The Radiation
Safety Office should be notified immediately if your personal dosimeter badge is lost or
damaged. PDMs are electronic devices that can provide a very good estimate of an individual’s
radiation dose. PDMs may be requested by any Health Care radiation worker when providing
care to a patient under radiation precautions and are routinely provided for patients undergoing
therapy with I-131. When PDMs are used they must be worn in conjunction with a Luxel
dosimeter. The PDM is not as accrurate as the Luxel dosimeter but it does provide a quick
assessment of the radiation dose received.

Environmental Monitoring Devices are used to survey an area for the presence of radiation
and/or allows for an immediate assessment of the amount of radiation. Environmental
monitoring devices include survey instruments. The three types of survey instruments routinely
used to monitor the environment are the Geiger-Mueller survey meter, the ion chamber and the
sodium iodide (NaI) survey meter. Each survey instrument has a special function and its use
depends upon the type of radionuclide used and the information required.

SELF-EVALUATION QUESTIONS
Name 2 devices used to monitor the ♦
radiation exposure a person receives. ♦
Name two devices used to survey the area ♦
for the presence of radioactivity. ♦
Should the same Luxel dosimeter be passed Yes No
on from person to person?
Do dosimeters protect an individual from Yes No
radiation?
Do survey meters provide an immediate Yes No
assessment of the amount of radiation?
A whole body Luxel dosimeter should be
worn in what area of the body.

Page 10 of 19
2007 Revision
REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
There are some regulatory requirements that must be met and are important points for Health
Care radiation workers to review and remember:

The annual occupational dose limit for adults who are exposed to ionizing radiation as part of
their work is 5 rem (5000 mrem) per year. For this limit to apply the individual must be
specifically trained in radiation risks and precautions therefore, unauthorized and non-essential
personnel are not permitted to enter the room of a patient receiving therapeutic doses of
radiopharmaceuticals and/or brachytherapy.

A declared pregnant worker is an individual who has notified the Radiation Safety Office in
writing in accordance with regulatory requirements. Health Care radiation workers wishing to
declare their pregnancy should notify their supervisor and must notify the Radiation Safety
Office in writing using RS Form 33 (available on the website www.uc.edu/radsafety). Once the
pregnancy is “declared” in writing to the Radiation Safety Office, the maximum radiation
exposure to the declared pregnant worker is reduced to 0.5 rem (500 mrem) during the
pregnancy. Throughout the individual’s declared pregnancy, work assignments related to the
care of patients under radiation precautions are evaluated and monitored by the Radiation Safety
Office. Declaring pregnancy is optional. If pregnancy is not declared in writing, radiation dose
limits are not reduced.

Unless specifically approved by the physician and the Radiation Safety Officer, visitors of
patients under radiation precautions are limited to non-pregnant individuals 18 years or older.
Visitors are NOT permitted to enter the patient’s room if it is determined that an implant is
missing or dislodged. Visitors to a patient who is receiving a radiopharmaceutical and/or
brachytherapy implant should inform a Health Care radiation worker of their arrival before
entering the patient’s room, limit the visit to the “stay time” posted on the door sign and remain
at least six (6) feet from the patient or sit/stand only in the designated area unless stay time is
posted as unlimited.

SELF-EVALUATION QUESTIONS
Visitors of radiation therapy patients are limited to __________ individuals at least ______
years or older.
How much time can a visitor be in a
radiation therapy patient’s room?
A pregnant Health Care radiation worker Yes No
must declare her pregnancy
What is the dose limit for a declared
pregnant Health Care radiation worker?
Declaring a pregnancy requires what type of
notification.
A Health Care radiation worker’s annual
dose limit is?

Page 11 of 19
2007 Revision
VISITORS OF PATIENTS
At the request of the physician the Radiation Safety Officer may allow selected visitor(s) to have
extended “stay times” and assist in the patient’s care. If authorized, the Radiation Safety Office
shall conduct additional training and provide dosimetry to the visitor(s). General visitor rules and
precautions, as summarized below, are posted on the door of a radiation therapy patient’s room.

Unless approved by the Radiation Safety Officer and the physician, visitors are limited to:
• Non-pregnant individuals
• 18 years or older.

General visitors to a patient under radiation precautions should:

• Notify a Health Care radiation worker of their arrival before entering the patient's room.
• Limit the visit to the "stay time" posted on the door sign.
• Remain at least six (6) feet from the patient unless posted “stay time” is unlimited.
• Sit/stand only in the designated areas unless posted “stay time” is unlimited.

Because of the contamination concerns additional precautions are necessary if a patient’s

radiation therapy involves a radiopharmaceutical, such as I-131. Visitors:
• May NOT bring any items or materials into the patient’s room unless cleared by the RSOf.
• May NOT handle any items in the patient’s room, e.g., food, trays, cups, utensils
• Must wear double gloves, a gown and double shoe coverings into the patient’s room and
follow the protective clothing removal procedure posted on the door when exiting the room.
• In an emergency situation (e.g., emesis spill, cardiac arrest) do NOT leave the room to
summon help; push the call button. The Health Care radiation worker directs the visitors to
remain in the area just outside the patient’s room until the visitor is surveyed and approved to
leave by the Radiation Safety Officer.

Visitors are NOT permitted to enter the patient's room if an implant is missing or dislodged.

SELF-EVALUATION QUESTIONS
Visitors entering the room of an I-131 ♦
radiopharmaceutical patient must don what ♦
type of PPE? ♦
Visitors must be at least 18 years of age True False
Visitors are routinely allowed to stay in a
radiation therapy patient’s room longer than True False
the posted “stay time.”
Visitors are not allowed in a patient’s room
during an emergency situation like a True False
dislodged source.
Visitors should sit/stand in a designated
Yes No
area?
Special approval is required for visitors who
Yes No
are pregnant?

Page 12 of 19
2007 Revision
HANDLING EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
GENERAL RULES:
• Remain calm. Exposures can be maintained at safe levels by responding quickly and calmly.
• Immediately notify the Radiation Safety Office and the applicable physician(s).

DISLODGED BRACHYTHERAPY SOURCE: A sealed lead-lined container (pig) and long-

handled tongs remain in the patient's room at all times to assist with this type of situation.
• Do not remove or manipulate a source that appears to be displaced but not totally dislodged.
• Never handle or pick up a source by hand. Use the long-handled tongs to pick up the source
and place it in the lead-lined container (pig).
• Restrict entry to the room, including family and visitors.

CARDIOPULMONARY ARREST (CPR): Initiate CPR according to procedure and

• Rotate personnel performing CPR to maximize distance and minimize time.
• Post a staff member outside the patient’s room door to record the names, and telephone
number and time of all personnel entering the room.
• Do NOT allow unauthorized personnel into the room.
• Perform CPR behind the shields if possible. Avoid defibrillator to shield contact.
• Radiopharmaceutical patients: responders should don a gown, double gloves and double
shoe covers. All personnel and equipment must remain in the patient's room or just outside
the patient's room until released by RSOf.

BODY FLUID SPILLS (URINE, EMESIS, BLOOD, STOOL): Consider all body fluids
radioactive for patients receiving any radiopharmaceutical.
• Cover spill with absorbent material.
• Do not allow anyone to enter the room until cleared by RSOf.
• Do not leave the room use the call button to summon assistance.

PERSONAL CONTAMINATION:
• Remove contaminated clothing and isolate in patient’s bathroom.
• Don clean protective clothing.
• Stand just outside the patient's room or remain with the patient until cleared by RSOf.
• Do not leave room or allow others to enter the room until cleared by RSOf.
• Flush any contaminated skin with tepid water and wash thoroughly with soap and water for
three (3) minutes. Do NOT use friction.

SELF-EVALUATION QUESTIONS
♦
What actions should be taken in handling a ♦
I-131 body fluid spill? ♦
♦
Who must be notified if there is an incident ♦
involving a radiation therapy patient? ♦
A dislodged radiation source may be
True False
handled with your hands.

Page 13 of 19
2007 Revision
NURSING CARE

NURSING STANDARDS OF CARE – GENERAL RADIATION SAFETY

Nursing
Focus Outcome Questions to identify appropriate Nursing Interventions
Diagnosis
1. List 3 nursing instructions interventions that may reduce
patient anxiety related to isolation.
Potential for
Minimize • 1.
Anxiety:
Coping isolation
Related to
anxiety • 2.
social isolation.
• 3.

2. General visitor precautions allow a pregnant woman to

visit a patient under radiation precautions
True False
Patient will
Discharge verbalize 3. General visitor precautions require a visitor to be 18
Planning/Patient Information understanding years or older to visit a patient under radiation precautions.
Education of visitor True False
precautions.
4. Modification to general visitor requirements may be
approved by the physician and Radiation Safety Officer.
True False
5. Room cannot be released for post discharge cleaning
Nurse will without approval by Radiation Safety Office.
understand True False
Discharge
Information special
Planning
discharge 6. Nursing staff may remove the “Caution Radioactive
instructions.. Material” sign form the door.
True False

Page 14 of 19
2007 Revision
NURSING STANDARDS OF CARE – IODINE 131 RADIOPHARMACEUTICAL
Sodium Iodide Therapy
Nursing
Focus Outcome Questions to identify appropriate Nursing Interventions
Diagnosis
1. Inform patient that he/she will be confined to his/her room
for a specific number of days.
True False

Knowledge 2. Inform patient that disposable trays and utensils will be

Patient
deficit: Related used.
verbalizes
to radiation True False
understanding
safety Information
of radiation
precautions for 3. Body fluids are NOT radioactive.
safety
patients True False
precautions.
receiving I-131.
4. All items which may have come in contact with the patient
must be cleared by the RSOf prior to removal from the
patient’s room.
True False
5. Visitors must be at least 18 years of age.
True False
Knowledge
deficit: Related 6. Visitors may be pregnant
Patient/Visitor
to radiation True False
verbalizes
safety
Information understanding
precautions for 7. Visitors must put on two (2) sets of shoe coverings and one
of visitor
visitors of set of gloves before entering the room.
precautions.
patients True False
receiving I-131.
8. Visitors must wear a gown when visiting the patient.
True False
Alteration in Patient has
9. Patient should be NPO before ingesting I-131.
Nutrition: less adequate
True False
than body nutrition
requirements Nutrition intake and
10. Antiemitics are not effective to control nausea and
related to control of
vomiting in patients who receive I-131.
nausea and nausea and
True False
vomiting. vomiting.
Patient 11. From the following list, check (√) the appropriate
verbalizes discharge instructions:
understanding
Discharge sleep alone for 2 weeks do not shower for 2 weeks
of discharge
Planning/Patient Information instructions
Education and the need drink plenty of fluids avoid pregnancy and do not
for follow-up breast feed
care with the wash hands after using
physician.. toilet contact CCHMC if questions

Page 15 of 19
2007 Revision
NURSING STANDARDS OF CARE – IODINE 125 BRACHYTHERAPY
Brachytherapy Eye - Temporary Implant
Nursing
Focus Outcome Questions to identify appropriate Nursing Interventions
Diagnosis
1. Patient will be confined to his/her room during radiation
Knowledge therapy.
deficit: Related True False
Patient
to radiation
verbalizes
safety 2. Unless otherwise noted by Radiation Safety, the patient
understanding
precautions for Information wears a lead eye shield at all times.
of radiation
patients True False
safety
receiving I-125
precautions.
permanent brain 3. Visitors are not allowed to sit with the patient unless the
implants. patient is wearing a lead eye shield.
True False
Knowledge 4. List 3 instructions for visitors to limit their exposure:
deficit: Related
to radiation
Patient will •
safety
verbalize
precautions for
Information understanding •
visitors of
of visitor
patients
receiving I-125
precautions. •
temporary eye
implants.
Patient
verbalizes
understanding 5. Patient will not be radioactive after discharge..
Discharge of discharge True False
Planning/Patient Information instructions
Education and the need 6. Patient will be instructed per physician’s orders.
for follow-up True False
care with the
physician..

Page 16 of 19
2007 Revision
POST TEST
(Answer true or false to the following questions)
1. Brachytherapy can be temporary or permanent. True False

2. Radionuclides emit certain types of radiation that include alpha True False
particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.

3. Radiation is defined as energy emitted from a radioactive substance. True False

4. Radionuclides with a short half-life are used for permanent implants. True False

5. Wearing protective clothing is not required when taking care of a True False
patient receiving I-131.

6. A dosimeter protects the nurse from radiation exposure. True False

7. Time, distance and shielding precautions are only necessary for Cs- True False
137 implant patients.

8. Gamma rays are penetrating rays of energy that have an unlimited True False
range and can penetrate all body tissues and organs.

9. A dislodged source is always picked up with tongs and placed in a True False
lead container.

10. An unsealed source such as I-131 does not present a contamination True False
hazard.

11. Nurses may share personal radiation dosimeters, like the whole body True False
Luxel dosimeter.

12. Lead is the most frequently used material for shielding. True False

13. Brachytherapy patients are radioactive after an implant is removed. True False

14. A radioactive sealed source has a high potential to cause True False
contamination.

15. Two pair of gloves are required to provide direct patient care to a True False
patient receiving I-131.

Page 17 of 19
2007 Revision
REFERENCES
Dunne-Daly, C. Programmed Instruction: Radiation: Radiation Therapy. Brachytherapy
.ONF, 1994: 355-364.
Hassey-Dow, K. Principles of brachytherapy. In Hassey-Dow K., Hilderly, L, eds., Nursing
care in radiation oncology. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Company, 1992:16-29.
Hilans, B., Dattatrevudu, N., Anderson, L. Brachytherapy techniques. In Hilans, B.,
Dattatreyudu, N., Anderson, L., eds. Atlas of brachytherapy. New York: Macmillan,
1988:46-69.
Perez, C., Garcia, D., Grigsby, P., Williamson, J. Clinical applications of brachytherapy. In
Perez, C., Brady, L. eds. Principles and practice of radiation oncology (2nd ed).
Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott, 1992:300-67.
Clarke, D., Martinez, A., An overview of brachytherapy in cancer management. Oncology
1990; 4:39-46.
Hassey, K., Principles of radiation safety and protection. Semin Oncol Nurs 1987; 3:23-9.
Glicksman, A., Radiobiological basis of brachytherapy. Semin Oncol Nurs 1987; 3:3-6.
Hassey, K., Demystifying care of patients with radioactive implants. Am J Nurs 1985; 85:788-
92.
Glasgow, G., Perez, C. Physics of brachytherapy. In Perez, C., Brady, L., eds. Principles and
practice of radiation oncology (2nd ed). Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott, 1992:265-99.
Brandt, B., Harney, J., An overview of interstitial brachytherapy and hyperthermia. ONF
1989; 16:833-41.
Strohl, RA, Head and neck implants. Semin Oncol Nurs 1987; 3:30-49.
Shell, J., Carter, J., The gynecological implant patient. Semin Oncol Nurs 1987; 3:54-66.

Page 18 of 19
2007 Revision
Annual Health Care Radiation Worker Recertification

A Radiation Safety Self-Learning Package (for the annual recertification of Health

Care radiation workers providing care for patients receiving radiation therapy
treatment) was provided to me.
I have read the Radiation Safety Self-Learning Package and completed all
activities within the Radiation Safety Self-Learning Package.
To complete the recertification process I am aware I must also pass an
examination* administered by the Radiation Safety Office. To pass the
examination I must achieve a score of 100% on the source portion and 85% or
greater on the practical portion. If I fail to achieve a passing score then I must
either: (1) complete the Radiation Safety Self-Learning Package and associated test
again, (2) attend a scheduled Health Care radiation worker recertification course
presented by Radiation Safety or (3) attend a scheduled initial Health Care
radiation worker certification course presented by Radiation Safety. I am aware
the radiation safety Health Care Worker Training schedule is available on the
RSOf homepage, www.uc.edu/radsafety.

Name: (Print) _______________________________________________

Name: (Signature) ___________________________________________

SSN#: ______-____-________

Radiation Safety Self-Learning Packet completed __________________

(date)

Hospital: []CCHMC []SHC Department/Unit:_______________

*
Exams are administered during scheduled recertification exam sessions and at the Radiation Safety
Office (RSOf). A recertification exam session schedule is available on the RSOf homepage,
www.uc.edu/radsafety, under the Health Care Worker Training Schedule. Contact the RSOf (558-4110)
to schedule attendance at a recertification exam session.
*
Exams are administered, without appointment, at the RSOf (RSL 2nd floor) between 8:00 AM and 4:00
PM University of Cincinnati business days. When scheduling an exam session or arriving at the RSOf to
take an exam ensure to state the exam is for recertification of health care radiation workers.
*
Alternately the exam may be taken online at cpd.uc.edu. When signing onto the online exam, verification
of completion of this Self-Learning Package is required.

Page 19 of 19
2007 Revision