The nurse should implement which safety consideration for a patient when administering oral radioactive iodine for thyroid cancer? The patient should:
be placed in isolation to prevent radiation exposure to others
avoid consuming any food or fluids for 24 hours prior to the treatment
avoid all physical activity for six weeks after the treatment
discontinue all other medications for a week before the treatment
The Correct Answer is A
A) Be placed in isolation to prevent radiation exposure to others:
Radioactive iodine (I-131) is commonly used to treat thyroid cancer because it targets and destroys thyroid tissue, including any remaining cancerous cells. This treatment involves the administration of a radioactive substance that can be excreted through saliva, urine, and sweat. To minimize radiation exposure to others, patients are often placed in isolation, particularly in a hospital setting, for a period following administration.
B) Avoid consuming any food or fluids for 24 hours prior to the treatment:
While it’s essential for patients to follow specific instructions regarding food and fluid intake, such as avoiding certain foods or fluids that may interfere with absorption or increase the risk of side effects (like dairy products), the patient does not need to avoid all food and fluids for 24 hours after receiving radioactive iodine.
C) Avoid all physical activity for six weeks after the treatment:
While some precautions, such as avoiding close contact with others for a short period of time, may be necessary, avoiding physical activity for six weeks is not usually required. Patients may be advised to take it easy during the initial recovery phase, but they can typically resume normal activities once the initial isolation period is complete and their radiation exposure is below safety thresholds.
D) Discontinue all other medications for a week before treatment:
However, certain medications that affect thyroid function (such as thyroid hormones or antithyroid medications) may need to be adjusted or stopped before treatment to ensure the effectiveness of the radioactive iodine. The specifics would depend on the patient’s condition and the healthcare provider’s instructions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Encourage the client to ambulate and perform deep breathing exercises:
While ambulation and deep breathing exercises are important for post-operative recovery, they are not the priority intervention in this scenario. The client is presenting with abdominal distension and pain, which could indicate a potential complication such as bowel obstruction, ileus, or internal bleeding. These symptoms need to be thoroughly evaluated by the healthcare provider to rule out serious complications.
B) Notify the healthcare provider and prepare the client for further testing:
The combination of abdominal pain and distension in a client who is four days post-operative for an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair is concerning for potential complications such as bowel ischemia, internal bleeding, or post-operative ileus. It is essential to notify the healthcare provider immediately for further assessment and possible diagnostic tests, such as imaging or a physical exam to evaluate for signs of ischemia or obstruction
C) Document the client's symptoms and continue to monitor:
Although documenting and monitoring the client's symptoms is important in nursing care, it is not the most appropriate immediate response. Given the symptoms, including pain and abdominal distension, there is a potential for a serious complication, and simply continuing to monitor without notifying the healthcare provider could delay diagnosis and treatment.
D) Administer pain medication and explain this is normal:
While it is important to manage the client's pain, explaining that the symptoms are "normal" could lead to a delay in identifying a potentially serious issue. Abdominal distension and pain post-operatively in a patient who has undergone abdominal surgery should never be assumed to be a normal part of recovery without further investigation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Single color throughout:
A mole that is a single, consistent color is typically not a concern for melanoma. However, one of the key warning signs of melanoma is a mole that has multiple colors or shades, such as tan, brown, black, or even red or blue. The presence of more than one color in a mole can indicate melanoma, and the client should be advised to seek medical attention if the mole has varied colors.
B) Diameter smaller than 2mm:
A mole that is smaller than 2mm in diameter is typically not a concern for melanoma. Melanomas are often larger than 6mm in diameter, about the size of a pencil eraser, though smaller melanomas can also occur. A mole smaller than 2mm is usually considered benign, but any change in size, shape, or color, regardless of the starting size, should be evaluated.
C) Has uneven or irregular borders:
One of the primary warning signs of melanoma is the presence of irregular or uneven borders on a mole. Normal moles typically have smooth, even borders, while moles with jagged, blurred, or irregular edges are more likely to be melanoma. The client should seek medical attention if they notice any moles with irregular borders, as this could be a sign of malignancy.
D) Is symmetrical in shape:
A mole that is symmetrical (both halves are the same size and shape) is generally not a concern for melanoma. In contrast, asymmetry (when one half of the mole does not match the other half) is a key warning sign for melanoma. A mole that lacks symmetry should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
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