What should be done if a patient receives a unit dosage of Sr 89 chloride intended for another patient?

If a patient receives a unit dosage of Strontium-89 (Sr-89) chloride that was intended for another patient, it qualifies as a medical event that requires notification to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). This determination is based on the potential for significant consequences associated with the unintended administration of the radiopharmaceutical, especially in the case of a radioactive substance like Sr-89, which is utilized for specific therapeutic purposes, often in the treatment of bone pain from metastatic cancer.

When a patient receives a treatment meant for another individual, it is not only a deviation from established protocols but also raises concerns about patient safety, appropriate treatment administration, and regulatory compliance. The NRC has strict guidelines around the reporting of medical events to ensure patient safety and the integrity of nuclear medicine practices. Therefore, in this situation, immediate reporting is crucial, as it allows for the investigation of the incident and the implementation of corrective measures to prevent future occurrences.

Other options may minimize the importance of reporting such an event, but they do not align with the regulatory requirements or the ethical standards of patient care in nuclear medicine. Maintaining records or reporting solely to a supervisor does not fulfill the necessary obligations under NRC regulations in the event of a medical incident involving a misadministration of