The nurse is caring for a patient scheduled for a radioactive iodine uptake test. Which of the following statements should be included in the patient instructions?

Explanation

• Radioactive iodine uptake tests are used to diagnose thyroid disorders.

• After the test, special precautions such as flushing the toilet twice for the first day may be expected. The tracer is normally eliminated in the urine in the first 24 hours. Patients do not need to avoid contact with others.

• Oral or IV iodine is administered before the test.

• This test will measure the rate of iodine uptake by the thyroid to determine thyroid function.

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