Author Question: A nurse counsels a patient scheduled for radioactive iodine to treat for Graves' disease. Which ... (Read 51 times)

mpobi80 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A nurse counsels a patient scheduled for radioactive iodine to treat for Graves' disease. Which statement made by the patient best demonstrates understanding?

a. This treatment is more costly than medical management.
b. The long-term effects may include lifelong hypothyroidism.
c. The treatment will take effect immediately.
d. Radioactivity affects all body tissues.

Question 2

A patient is brought to the emergency department by the family. Upon assessment, the prescriber suspects sepsis. Vital signs are: temperature 105.2 F, pulse 132, respirations 26, blood pressure 89/43.

The nurse also documents findings of agitation, tremor, and unresponsiveness. The spouse states that the patient has a history of hyperthyroidism. The nurse should anticipate which of the following interventions? (Select all that apply.)
a. Administration of high doses of potassium iodide
b. Administration of propylthiouracil (PTU)
c. Administration of an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor
d. Administration of a beta blocker
e. Administration of glucocorticoids
f. Cooling blankets

Yixagurpuldink · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Iodine-131 can be used to destroy thyroid tissue in patients with hyperthyroidism; unfortunately, this may cause delayed hypothyroidism because of excessive thyroid damage, a frequent complication with management of Graves' disease.
The treatment is not more costly than medical management.
The treatment may take awhile to be effective.
Radioactivity (the beta particles) affects the thyroid but does not affect other parts of the body.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, B, D, E, F
High doses of potassium iodide should be given to suppress release of thyroid hormone. Propylthiouracil is used to suppress thyroid hormone synthesis and peripheral conversion of T4 to T3. A beta blocker should be administered to reduce tachycardia, and glucocorticoids reduce inflammatory responses. Cooling blankets should be used to help bring down the patient's temperature.
Administration of an ACE inhibitor is not an applicable intervention.