Final answer:
Patients receiving iodine contrast medium should be asked about allergies to iodine or shellfish, previous reactions to contrast media, and history of thyroid disease to ensure their safety and the appropriateness of the procedure.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient who is to receive an iodine contrast medium should be asked about any allergies to iodine or shellfish, previous reactions to contrast media, and history of thyroid disease. This is a direct answer to ensure the safety and appropriateness of the diagnostic procedure.
Medical professionals employ various radiopharmaceuticals to image and treat different diseases. One such substance is iodine-131 (I-131), which is concentrated naturally by the thyroid gland. This concentration property of iodine makes it particularly useful for both diagnostic imaging and therapeutic purposes, such as in the case of thyroid cancer or hyperthyroidism. Patients undergoing a scan involving radioactive iodine should be thoroughly interviewed to assess the risk of adverse reactions.
Before administering an iodine contrast medium, it's important to confirm if the patient has any known hypersensitivities or a history that could contraindicate the use of such agents. The iodine used in these procedures is similar to that naturally utilized by the thyroid, and it can reveal the organ's activity through the emission of detectable radiation. Following administration, the I-131 gives a detailed image of the thyroid which is used for further medical analysis. The agent's half-life of approximately 8 days dictates precautions and advisories regarding proximity to others and travel due to residual radioactivity.
Overall, the use of these diagnostic scans is of great value in the medical field, particularly for detecting and treating thyroid conditions. The preparation and screening of patients before such procedures ensure their safety and optimize the efficacy of the treatment or diagnostic process.