Procedure

ActionRationale

1. 1.Show
   On return from theatre, the following should be checked:

   • Sanitary towel
   • Disposable pants in position
   • A urinary catheter is in position and draining urine.
   To contain any blood loss from the procedure and observe and record vaginal blood loss. E

   To secure the position of the sanitary towel. E

   To ensure that urine is draining freely and to accurately monitor urinary output. E
2. 2.Show
   Observe any blood loss and/or other discharge from the vagina.
   To monitor for haemorrhage, shock and other post‐operative complications. E
3. 3.Show
   Ensure routine post‐operative observations are performed until the patient is stable. Continue to monitor temperature, blood pressure and pulse throughout treatment at least 2–4 hourly.
   To ensure early detection of possible complications. E
4. 4.Show
   Administer prescribed analgesia, antiemetics and antidiarrhoeal agents.
   For the patient's comfort and reduction of symptoms that may impact on the safe delivery of treatment using radiation sources. E
5. 5.Show
   Encourage oral fluid intake as soon as the patient is allowed to drink. Encourage a fluid intake of 50–100% a day over and above the patient's normal intake.
   To ensure adequate hydration. To reduce the risk of urinary tract infection (Beetz [3], R1a).
6. 6.Show
   A low‐residue diet may be taken. Liaise with dietitian regarding suitable supplements.
   To prevent the stimulation of a bowel action. E
7. 7.Show
   The patient must remain in bed in a recumbent or semi‐recumbent position while the applicators or implants are in place.
   To prevent the applicators becoming dislodged or changing their position in relation to the adjacent internal organs. E
8. 8.Show
   Log rolling the patient from side to side is permitted.
   To promote comfort and relieve the skin of prolonged pressure on any one area, thus reducing pressure sores to at‐risk tissue. E