What must nursing personnel use when attending to patients in brachytherapy?

In the context of brachytherapy, nursing personnel must prioritize patient and personnel safety by using protective measures tailored to the specific hazards of radiation exposure inherent in this treatment. Bedshields of adequate thickness provide a critical barrier that protects healthcare workers from ionizing radiation emitted from the radioactive sources used in brachytherapy.

These bedshields are designed to absorb or deflect radiation, reducing exposure during procedures where patients are receiving direct radiation treatment. The choice of adequate thickness in bedshields is essential as it determines the level of protection that can be achieved, depending on the radioisotope in use and the distance between the healthcare provider and the radiation source.

While other protective measures may be utilized, the use of properly designed bedshields is a fundamental part of ensuring safety standards are met during brachytherapy. Regular clothing lacks the necessary protective characteristics, protective goggles are typically used in different contexts, and PPE suits, while useful in certain scenarios, are not specifically indicated for standard attendance in brachytherapy settings.