Question

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.

Answer 1

The nurse instructs the 62-year-old patient with hyperthyroidism that symptoms of hypothyroidism may occur as the RAI therapy takes effect.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse instructs the 62-year-old patient with hyperthyroidism that symptoms of hypothyroidism may occur as the RAI therapy takes effect. Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy is used to treat hyperthyroidism by destroying some of the gland's cells with concentrated emissions of nuclear radiation. Discontinuing the antithyroid medications taken before the radioactive therapy is required.