title: Radiation exposure and pregnancy.
abstract: Radiological exposure from nuclear power reactor accidents, transportation of nuclear waste accidents, industrial accidents, or terrorist activity may be a remote possibility, but it could happen. Nurses must be prepared to evaluate and treat pregnant women and infants who have been exposed to radiation, and to have an understanding of the health consequences of a nuclear or radiological incident. Pregnant women and infants are a special group of patients who need consideration when exposed to radiation. Initial care requires thorough assessment and decisions regarding immediate care needs. Ongoing care is based on type and extent of radiation exposure. With accurate, comprehensive information and education, nurses will be better prepared to help mitigate the effects of radiation exposure to pregnant women and infants following a radiological incident. Information about radiation, health effects of prenatal radiation exposure, assessment, patient care, and treatment of pregnant women and infants are presented.
authors.affiliation: Amy Labant is an Assistant Professor, Mansfield University, Mansfield, PA. Christina Silva is an Assistant Professor, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA. She can be reached via e-mail at whpp@iup.ed.
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Labant
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Silva
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018811:Maternal Exposure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011247:Pregnancy; D037841:Pregnant People; D000069079:Radiation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018788:Radioactive Hazard Release / Q000401:mortality