Question

Before undergoing a subtotal thyroidectomy, a client receives potassium iodide (Lugol's solution) and propylthiouracil (PTU). The nurse would expect the client's symptoms to subside:

1. in a few days.
2. in 3 to 4 months.
3. immediately.
4. in 1 to 2 weeks.

Answer 1

The client's symptoms would be expected to subside in 3 to 4 months after receiving potassium iodide (Lugol's solution) and propylthiouracil (PTU) before a subtotal thyroidectomy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client's symptoms after receiving potassium iodide (Lugol's solution) and propylthiouracil (PTU) before a subtotal thyroidectomy would not be expected to subside immediately. It often takes weeks or even months for thyroid hormone levels to return to normal and for symptoms to disappear. Therefore, the correct answer is option 2, in 3 to 4 months.