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
Diverticulosis is a condition where small pouches, called diverticula, form in the wall of the colon. While it can cause discomfort and complications, it is not a contraindication for laxative use. Laxatives can actually help prevent constipation, which can exacerbate diverticulosis.
Choice B rationale
High ammonia levels due to liver failure can cause serious health problems, including hepatic encephalopathy, a decline in brain function. However, it is not directly related to the use of laxatives. Laxatives work primarily in the colon, not the liver.
Choice C rationale
Abdominal pain of unknown origin could be a sign of a serious condition, such as an intestinal obstruction or appendicitis. Using a laxative could worsen these conditions. Therefore, it’s important to identify the cause of the abdominal pain before using a laxative.
Choice D rationale
Chronic constipation is often treated with laxatives. They work by softening the stool or stimulating the bowel to pass stool. Therefore, chronic constipation is not a contraindication for laxative use.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While collecting a urine sample can be important in diagnosing certain conditions, it is not the most important action to take prior to administering an antibiotic for pneumonia.
Choice B rationale
Ensuring the patient is on a cardiac monitor is not the most crucial action prior to administering an antibiotic for pneumonia. While it’s important to monitor the patient’s vital signs, it’s not specifically related to the administration of antibiotics.
Choice C rationale
Collecting a blood culture sample is the most important action to take prior to administering an antibiotic for pneumonia. This is to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection, which can help in selecting the most effective antibiotic.
Choice D rationale
Checking baseline vital signs, including temperature, is important but not the most crucial action prior to administering an antibiotic for pneumonia. It’s part of the overall assessment but does not directly impact the choice or effectiveness of the antibiotic.
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