Final answer:
The statement that the two primary iodine preparations are free iodine and iodophors is true. Free iodine is a strong antiseptic but can cause irritation, while iodophors are iodine complexes with organic molecules like povidone-iodine, minimizing side effects and stabilizing the iodine.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the two primary iodine preparations are free iodine and iodophors is true. Free iodine, often referred to as elemental iodine, is a powerful antiseptic that works by oxidizing cellular components. It is commonly used in a solution with alcohol and potassium iodide, known as tincture of iodine. However, free iodine can cause skin irritation and staining.
Iodophors, on the other hand, are complexes of iodine with an organic molecule, which stabilizes the iodine and increases its efficacy. The slow release of iodine from iodophors minimizes skin irritation and staining. A commonly known iodophor is povidone-iodine, commercially available as Betadine. It is widely used for antiseptic purposes, notably as a pre-surgical skin disinfectant (as shown in Figure 13.22(b)) and for hand scrubbing by medical personnel.
Iodine is essential for the function of the thyroid gland, with deficiency leading to conditions like goiter. Additionally, iodine compounds such as silver iodide are useful in cloud seeding, and iodoform is used for its antiseptic properties. Salts containing iodine, such as iodized table salt, provide essential iodine in diets.