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What precautions do we need to take?



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Jan 05, 2009 05:05 PM

What precautions do we need to take?

by nsgnva

I have a general question for all you oncology nurses out there. We have a resident (patient) in our LTC/SNF facility who is receiving radiation and chemo (temodar) for glioblastoma. It's been a very long time since I worked the oncology unit at my local hospital, but I recall there were sometimes special precautions we had to take. I understand the precautions to protect the resident, because of the potential for white cell destruction and higher risk of her getting an infection.But aren't there precautions we are supposed to take to also protect the staff?? Seems I recall something about some chemo drugs excreting in the patients urine? If someone would so kindly lead me in the general direction for information, I'd greatly appreciate it.


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2 Comments
No. 1
from iluvivt
Old Jan 05, 2009, 05:34 PM

Default Re: What precautions do we need to take?
Handle any body excreta using chemotherapy precautions for at least 48 hours after chemotherapy administration. . Use Chemo gloves and any contaminated linen needs to be bagged in water soluable plastic bag indicating chemo exposure. You only have to limit distance and time if the patient has a radium implant......if just receiving radiation ,there are no special precautions to protect the nurse or worker.
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No. 2
from NurseLacy
Old Jan 06, 2009, 09:39 PM

Default Re: What precautions do we need to take?
For that regimen, there are no special precautions. Universal precautions will be the most effective.

Do make sure the patient is given anti-nausea meds 1 hour prior to Temodar and XRT. Both are highly emetogenic and will cause the patient to be very sick. And patient will only take Temodar on the days they receive radiation (Mon-Fri).

I am a current oncology nurse and a previous radiation oncology nurse.
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