If the radiation therapist notices a table angle drift of 5 degrees during treatment, what should they do?

If a radiation therapist notices a table angle drift of 5 degrees during treatment, the appropriate action is to stop the treatment and notify the doctor. This is essential because precise positioning during radiation therapy is critical for targeting the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. Any deviation in angle can lead to misalignment, potentially affecting treatment effectiveness and increasing the risk of side effects.

By stopping the treatment and informing the physician, the therapist ensures that there can be an assessment of the situation. This allows the medical team to determine whether re-evaluation of the treatment plan is necessary due to the drift or if adjustments can be safely made before continuing. Safety protocols in radiation therapy emphasize the importance of adhering to specific parameters, and addressing any discrepancies immediately is a fundamental part of those protocols.