Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Disaster Situations Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Disaster Situations related questions and content

The nurse is orienting to the emergency department and finds cases of potassium iodide tablets located in the supply closet. The nurse asks the nurse manager, 'What is the purpose of this agent?' What is the nurse manager's best response?

  • A. Potassium iodide is given to individuals who come to the emergency department dehydrated to replenish their potassium level.'
  • B. Potassium iodide is given to individuals diagnosed with hypothyroidism in the emergency department.'
  • C. Potassium iodide is given to individuals as a prophylaxis for protecting the thyroid gland from absorption of radiation in case of an accident at the local nuclear plant.'
  • D. Potassium iodide is given to individuals who are given furosemide intravenously in the emergency department to replenish their potassium level.'
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse manager's best response is, 'Potassium iodide is given to individuals as a prophylaxis for protecting the thyroid gland from absorption of radiation in case of an accident at the local nuclear plant,' because this best describes the rationale for keeping the medication on hand. The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) currently requires states with a population within 10 miles of a commercial nuclear plant to have immediate access to a supply of potassium iodide (KI) tablets.