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 A
Explanation
A) CD4 count of less than 200 cells/uL, and new diagnosis of pneumocystis pneumonia:
A CD4 count of less than 200 cells/uL and the diagnosis of a severe opportunistic infection, such as pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), are major criteria for the diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, where the immune system is severely compromised, and the individual is highly susceptible to opportunistic infections like PCP, tuberculosis, and others. The CD4 count, which measures the number of immune system cells (specifically T-helper cells), is used to monitor disease progression, with values below 200 cells/uL indicating a diagnosis of AIDS.
B) CD4 count of 1200 cells/uL and a new diagnosis of hepatitis A:
While hepatitis A is an important condition that should be managed, it is not an opportunistic infection associated with AIDS. A CD4 count of 1200 cells/uL is within the normal range (500-1800 cells/uL), indicating that the immune system is not severely compromised.
C) Low grade fever with the diagnosis of influenza A:
A low-grade fever and a diagnosis of influenza A do not indicate AIDS. Influenza is a viral infection that can affect both individuals with and without HIV. It is common to experience flu-like symptoms in the early stages of HIV infection, but the presence of a fever and influenza does not confirm AIDS. A low-grade fever is also not specific to AIDS or opportunistic infections.
D) New atopic dermatitis and a white blood count of 11 million/mm³:
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is not specifically associated with HIV or AIDS. The white blood cell (WBC) count of 11 million/mm³ is elevated, but this alone does not confirm a diagnosis of AIDS. Elevated WBC counts can occur with various conditions, including infections and allergic reactions, but they are not a diagnostic feature of AIDS.
Correct Answer is ["A"]
Explanation
A) There are no obvious symptoms or problems: Ovarian cancer is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it tends to develop without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms do appear, they are often vague and nonspecific, such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, or changes in bowel habits. By the time ovarian cancer is diagnosed, it is frequently at an advanced stage, making it more difficult to treat effectively. This lack of early, clear symptoms contributes significantly to the high death rate associated with the disease.
B) Radiation therapy is ineffective because the ovaries are located so deep within the pelvis: While ovarian cancer is located deep within the pelvis, radiation therapy can still be effective for certain types of tumors. However, the primary reason for high death rates is not the location of the ovaries, but the late-stage diagnosis and difficulty in detecting the cancer early.
C) The causative cancer cell is resistant to chemotherapy or radiation: While some ovarian cancer cells may exhibit resistance to treatment, this is not the main reason for the high mortality rate. The real issue is the lack of early detection, as ovarian cancer is often diagnosed when it has already spread beyond the ovaries. Early-stage ovarian cancer may be more responsive to treatment, but by the time symptoms are noticeable, the cancer is often advanced, which limits the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation.
D) Ovarian cancer occurs primarily among women over age 70 that also have other complicating health problems: Although the incidence of ovarian cancer increases with age, particularly after age 60, it is not the primary factor contributing to high death rates. Many women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are relatively healthy except for the cancer itself.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
