The nurse is assessing a client with hyperthyroidism. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? Select all that apply.

A. While many patients who receive radioactive iodine treatment (RAI) for hyperthyroidism may require thyroid replacement therapy afterward, this is not always immediate. The body’s response to the treatment varies, and thyroid function will need to be monitored. The initiation of thyroid replacement therapy depends on the individual's thyroid levels after treatment.
B. Radioactive iodine is contraindicated during breastfeeding because the iodine can pass into the breast milk, potentially exposing the infant to radiation. Mothers are usually advised to stop breastfeeding and to pump and discard milk for a period after the treatment (usually several weeks).
C. The general recommendation is that women should wait at least 6 months after receiving radioactive iodine treatment before trying to become pregnant, as the radiation could potentially affect fetal development during the first few months following the treatment.
D. After receiving radioactive iodine treatment, patients should limit contact with others (especially pregnant women and young children) for a period of time to reduce the risk of radiation exposure to others. This period varies based on the dose of radioactive iodine used, but patients are typically advised to follow specific precautions until their radiation levels have decreased to a safe level.

A. While morphine may be indicated for pain management, particularly if the pain is severe, the priority is first to assess the cause of the chest pain. Chest pain in a patient with myxedema could be related to a number of serious conditions, such as a myocardial infarction or worsening cardiovascular issues, so it is important to assess the pain thoroughly before administering any medications.
B. Stopping thyroid hormone administration is not the correct action. Myxedema is a severe form of hypothyroidism, and thyroid hormone therapy is essential in treating this condition. However, if there is a concern about the cause of the chest pain (such as a heart attack), stopping the thyroid hormone might not be appropriate unless directly indicated by a physician.
C. While obtaining cardiac enzymes can be an important diagnostic step if the chest pain is suspected to be related to a cardiac event, the priority at this moment is to assess the pain and clinical presentation more thoroughly. Cardiac enzymes can be checked after a full assessment of the symptoms.
D. The first priority is to complete a comprehensive pain assessment. The nurse should assess the quality, intensity, and duration of the chest pain and ask relevant questions to determine if the pain is cardiac in nature (e.g., tightness, radiating to left arm, sweating) or possibly related to the thyroid condition (e.g., could be related to complications of myxedema, such as hypothyroid-induced cardiac dysfunction). This step is critical to understanding the cause and ensuring appropriate next steps for care.