NCLEX RN Client Needs Physiological Adaptation Related

Review NCLEX RN Client Needs Physiological Adaptation related questions and content

The nurse is preparing a client diagnosed with Graves' disease to receive radioactive iodine therapy. What information should the nurse share with the client about the therapy?

  • A. After the initial dose, subsequent treatments must continue lifelong.
  • B. The radioactive iodine is designed to destroy the entire thyroid gland with just one dose.
  • C. It takes 6 to 8 weeks after treatment to experience relief from the symptoms of the disease.
  • D. High radioactivity levels prohibit contact with family for 4 weeks after the initial treatment.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Graves' disease is also known as toxic diffuse goiter and is characterized by a hyperthyroid state resulting from hypersecretion of thyroid hormones. After treatment with radioactive iodine therapy, a decrease in the thyroid hormone level should be noted, which helps alleviate symptoms. Relief of symptoms does not occur until 6 to 8 weeks after initial treatment. Occasionally, a client may require a second or third dose, but treatments are not lifelong. This form of therapy is not designed to destroy the entire gland; rather, some of the cells that synthesize thyroid hormone will be destroyed by the local radiation. The nurse must reassure the client and family that unless the dosage is extremely high, clients are not required to observe radiation precautions. The rationale for this is that the radioactivity quickly dissipates.