A patient is prescribed erythromycin for an infection.

What medication should the nurse instruct the patient to avoid while on erythromycin?

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.

Choice A rationale
While antacids can help reduce gastrointestinal discomfort, they do not interact specifically with levofloxacin or affect blood glucose levels.
Choice B rationale
Taking levofloxacin on an empty stomach can enhance absorption, but it does not affect blood glucose levels.
Choice C rationale
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be taken for arthritis pain, but they do not interact specifically with levofloxacin or affect blood glucose levels.
Choice D rationale
Levofloxacin can cause changes in blood glucose levels, so patients with diabetes who are on oral hypoglycemic medication should monitor their blood glucose levels more frequently while on levofloxacin.