Question

Marsha, age 24, is preparing for radioactive iodine therapy for her Graves disease. Which test must she undergo first?

1) Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin
2) Basal metabolism rate
3) Lithium level
4) Serum calcium

Answer 1

Before undergoing radioactive iodine therapy for Graves disease, Marsha must have a beta-human chorionic gonadotropin test to ensure she is not pregnant due to potential harm to a fetus.

Step-by-step explanation:

Marsha, who is 24 years old and preparing for radioactive iodine therapy for her Graves disease, must undergo a beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) test before the treatment. This test is mandatory to ensure that she is not pregnant, as radioactive iodine therapy can be harmful to a developing fetus. Radioiodine (I-131) therapy is a treatment that uses a radioactive isotope to target the thyroid, and prior to this treatment, it is essential to rule out pregnancy due to the risks involved with radiation exposure.