A 62-year-old patient with hyperthyroidism is to be treated with ...

[Evvie72]

A 62-year-old patient with hyperthyroidism is to be treated with radioactive iodine (RAI). The nurse instructs the patient
 
  a. about radioactive precautions to take with all body secretions.
  b. that symptoms of hyperthyroidism should be relieved in about a week.
  c. that symptoms of hypothyroidism may occur as the RAI therapy takes effect.
  d. to discontinue the antithyroid medications taken before the radioactive therapy.

Question 2

Which information will the nurse teach a 48-year-old patient who has been newly diagnosed with Graves' disease?
 
  a. Exercise is contraindicated to avoid increasing metabolic rate.
  b. Restriction of iodine intake is needed to reduce thyroid activity.
  c. Antithyroid medications may take several months for full effect.
  d. Surgery will eventually be required to remove the thyroid gland.

[babybsemail]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
There is a high incidence of postradiation hypothyroidism after RAI, and the patient should be monitored for symptoms of hypothyroidism. RAI has a delayed response, with the maximum effect not seen for 2 to 3 months, and the patient will continue to take antithyroid medications during this time. The therapeutic dose of radioactive iodine is low enough that no radiation safety precautions are needed.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Medications used to block the synthesis of thyroid hormones may take 2 to 3 months before the full effect is seen. Large doses of iodine are used to inhibit the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Exercise using large muscle groups is encouraged to decrease the irritability and hyperactivity associated with high levels of thyroid hormones. Radioactive iodine is the most common treatment for Graves' disease although surgery may be used.

[Evvie72]

Correct answers!

[babybsemail]

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