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) Begins training to prepare to run a marathon next year:
This response is not characteristic of the stage of anger. Instead, this behavior suggests denial or possibly bargaining, as the client may be attempting to maintain a sense of normalcy or even hope in the face of a terminal illness like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
B) Refuses to attend church and states that "his faith has failed him":
This statement reflects the anger stage of Kubler-Ross’s five stages of grief. During the anger stage, individuals often experience intense feelings of frustration, helplessness, and resentment about their situation. They may direct these emotions towards others, including higher powers or themselves. In this case, the client is expressing anger by blaming his circumstances and feeling abandoned by his faith, a common reaction when facing an irreversible condition like ALS.
C) Promises God to give up smoking if allowed to live until their children are married:
This behavior represents the bargaining stage of grief, not anger. In the bargaining phase, individuals may attempt to negotiate with a higher power or themselves, making promises or deals in exchange for a prolongation of life or a desired outcome. The client is trying to strike a "deal" by making promises for future behavior in exchange for a specific wish, reflecting bargaining rather than anger.
D) Gathers the family together in order to discuss what their last wishes are:
This scenario aligns more with the acceptance stage of grief. In the acceptance stage, individuals come to terms with their diagnosis and begin to make plans for the end of their life. The act of discussing last wishes indicates that the client is accepting the reality of their condition and preparing for what is to come.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Take the prescribed anticoagulant specifically as directed:
Clients with mechanical heart valves are at an increased risk of developing blood clots, and therefore, anticoagulation therapy (often warfarin or another blood thinner) is necessary to prevent thromboembolic events. It is essential for the client to take the prescribed anticoagulant exactly as directed, ensuring therapeutic levels are maintained while minimizing the risk of bleeding.
B) Stop taking your antihypertensive medications until checking:
This instruction is not appropriate after heart surgery. Antihypertensive medications are typically necessary to manage blood pressure and reduce the strain on the heart. Stopping antihypertensive medications without consulting the healthcare provider could result in elevated blood pressure, which can put undue stress on the heart, especially after valve replacement surgery.
C) Avoid lifting objects ten pounds or greater for two days:
This statement is not appropriate for a client who has undergone open heart surgery. After heart surgery, particularly valve replacement, the client may be advised to avoid lifting heavy objects for a period of time (often 4-6 weeks) to prevent strain on the incision site and the heart. Two days of restriction is insufficient; longer periods of activity limitation are usually required to ensure proper healing.
D) Take your immunosuppressive medications daily in the morning:
Immunosuppressive medications are not typically prescribed for clients with mechanical heart valves. Immunosuppressive drugs are usually prescribed for clients who have had organ transplants (e.g., kidney, liver) to prevent organ rejection. Since the client in this scenario had a mitral valve replacement, immunosuppressants are not usually indicated unless there are specific complications, such as endocarditis or other infections.
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