What is a student's responsibility regarding radiation safety with patients being treated with radionuclides?

The student's responsibility regarding radiation safety when working with patients treated with radionuclides includes checking for specific precautions with their instructor or preceptor. This approach emphasizes the importance of guidance from experienced professionals who can provide tailored safety measures relevant to specific treatments and situations. Radiation safety protocols can vary significantly depending on the type of radionuclide used, the patient's condition, and the institution's policies. By consulting with an instructor or preceptor, the student ensures they understand the correct safety procedures and can apply them effectively.

Maintaining distance at all times, while it may contribute to safety, does not account for the nuanced guidance that an instructor can provide. Providing treatment without prior knowledge is crucially unsafe and goes against the principles of proper clinical practice. Researching independently on radiation safety is beneficial for personal knowledge but does not provide the immediate, practical guidance necessary when working with patients in a clinical setting. Consulting with an experienced mentor helps to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application in radiation safety.