Which radiation safety measure is recommended for performing Sr-89 therapy on incontinent patients?

Which radiation safety measure is recommended for performing Sr-89 therapy on incontinent patients?

• A. Increased monitoring of blood levels
• B. Urinary catheterization
• C. Isolation in a separate room
• D. Administering a diuretic

Answer: (B)

In the context of Sr-89 therapy for incontinent patients, urinary catheterization is the recommended radiation safety measure for several reasons. Sr-89, a radiopharmaceutical used primarily for the palliative treatment of bone pain associated with metastatic cancer, can be excreted through urine. Incontinent patients may pose a risk of contaminating surfaces or other individuals if they are unable to control their urinary output. By using a urinary catheter, healthcare providers can effectively manage the collection of urine, minimizing the potential for radioactive contamination in the environment. This practice also helps maintain the patient's dignity and comfort, while ensuring adherence to safety protocols aimed at protecting both the patient and those around them from unnecessary radiation exposure. In contrast, the other options, while they may have their own merits in different contexts, do not directly address the specific safety considerations needed for incontinent patients undergoing Sr-89 therapy. Monitoring blood levels, isolating the patient, or administering diuretics may not provide the same level of control in preventing contamination or managing radiation safety effectively in this particular scenario.

In the context of Sr-89 therapy for incontinent patients, urinary catheterization is the recommended radiation safety measure for several reasons. Sr-89, a radiopharmaceutical used primarily for the palliative treatment of bone pain associated with metastatic cancer, can be excreted through urine. Incontinent patients may pose a risk of contaminating surfaces or other individuals if they are unable to control their urinary output.

By using a urinary catheter, healthcare providers can effectively manage the collection of urine, minimizing the potential for radioactive contamination in the environment. This practice also helps maintain the patient's dignity and comfort, while ensuring adherence to safety protocols aimed at protecting both the patient and those around them from unnecessary radiation exposure.

In contrast, the other options, while they may have their own merits in different contexts, do not directly address the specific safety considerations needed for incontinent patients undergoing Sr-89 therapy. Monitoring blood levels, isolating the patient, or administering diuretics may not provide the same level of control in preventing contamination or managing radiation safety effectively in this particular scenario.