When doing prechemotherapy teaching, the nurse should suggest choosing hats and wigs before the woman begins to lose her hair. It is important for the nurse to let the woman discuss her feelings regarding her loss of hair and the reactions of those around her. Radiation therapy can be used to cure or control gynecological malignancies. Radiation is usually delivered as 6-7 weeks of external beam treatments. It is important for the nurse to reassure the woman and her partner that the patient is not radioactive and the partner cannot be contaminated by close physical contact.
Some women require brachytherapy.
This procedure consists of an implanted radioactive source at the tumor site for a period usually lasting 1-4 days. The patient is hospitalized with minimal contact with family or staff. Again, it is important for the nurse to stress that after the implant is removed there is no risk of contamination. The primary function of the oncology nurse in the radiotherapy setting continues to be patient education, support and symptom management. The nurse encourages patients to take frequent rest periods to conserve energy for their most important activities.