The nurse prepares to administer a dose of radioactive iodine (RAI) to a 39-year-old female client with Graves' disease. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

RAI is the primary treatment for nonpregnant adults with hyperthyroid disorders such as Graves' disease (a type of autoimmune hyperthyroid disease). The use of RAI is contraindicated in pregnancy and could cause harm to a fetus. Pregnancy results should therefore be confirmed using a valid pregnancy test in all clients who still have menstrual cycles rather than using a subjective form of assessment such as asking when the last menstrual period occurred (Option A). (Option C) Radiation thyroiditis and parotitis, which cause dryness and irritation to the mouth, may occur after RAI treatment. A baseline assessment is helpful but is not the most important action listed. The nurse can teach the client to take sips of water frequently or to use a salt and soda gargle solution 3-4 times daily to relieve these symptoms. (Option D) RAI damages or destroys the thyroid tissue, thereby limiting thyroid secretion, and can result in hypothyroidism. Clients need to take thyroid supplementation (levothyroxine) for life. Because these symptoms are delayed, this teaching can occur before or after the procedure. It is not as important as assessing pregnancy status. Educational objective: RAI destroys the thyroid gland, making clients permanently hypothyroid and requiring life-long thyroid supplements. In female clients, a nonpregnant status should be confirmed with a valid pregnancy test prior to administering RAI. RAI is contraindicated in pregnancy and may cause harm to a fetus.

The Nurse Prepares to Administer a Dose of Radioactive Iodine