A patient has been prescribed radioactive iodine in preparation for a total thyroidectomy due to thyroid cancer. What advice about taking the medication should the nurse provide?
“You can discontinue this medication at any time if you are uncomfortable with how you feel.”.
“Increase your consumption of iodine-rich foods, such as iodized salt and shellfish.”.
“Use a straw to drink this medication to prevent staining your teeth.”.
“This medication will eliminate the need for thyroid hormone replacement.”.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
It is not advisable for a patient to discontinue radioactive iodine therapy at any time if they feel uncomfortable. Radioactive iodine therapy is a safe and effective treatment for certain types of thyroid cancer. Discontinuing the medication without medical advice could lead to ineffective treatment.
Choice B rationale
Increasing the consumption of iodine-rich foods is not necessary when a patient is prescribed radioactive iodine. The body’s thyroid cells absorb the radioactive iodine, which then destroys the cells. Consuming additional iodine would not enhance this process.
Choice C rationale
Using a straw to drink the medication is not necessary. Radioactive iodine is usually given in pill form, not as a liquid. Therefore, there is no risk of it staining the patient’s teeth.
Choice D rationale
This statement is correct. After a total thyroidectomy, the patient will no longer have thyroid tissue that can produce thyroid hormones. Therefore, the radioactive iodine will not eliminate the need for thyroid hormone replacement.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Infusing the medication slowly over a period of 60-90 minutes is a common practice for many intravenous medications to prevent adverse reactions. However, this is not the first step a nurse should take before administering intravenous acyclovir.
Choice B rationale
While diluting certain medications in a liter of normal saline can be a part of the preparation process, it is not the first step a nurse should take before administering intravenous acyclovir.
Choice C rationale
Checking the intravenous site for any signs of redness, heat, or swelling is the correct first step before administering any intravenous medication. This is to ensure that the IV site is not infected or inflamed, which could lead to complications such as phlebitis or infiltration.
Choice D rationale
Examining the patient for any open herpetic lesions is important when administering acyclovir, as the medication is used to treat herpes infections. However, this is not the first step a nurse should take before administering the medication.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
T3 and T4 are thyroid hormones. While it’s important to monitor these levels in a patient on propylthiouracil therapy, they are not the most concerning lab value.
Choice B rationale
The white blood cell count should be the nurse’s primary concern. Propylthiouracil can cause agranulocytosis, a serious condition characterized by a decrease in the number of white blood cells, which can lead to infection.
Choice C rationale
Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are important to monitor, but they are not the most concerning lab value in this context.
Choice D rationale
While it’s important to monitor platelet count in a patient on propylthiouracil therapy, it’s not the most concerning lab value.
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