What precaution is commonly recommended for patients receiving radioactive iodine therapy?

What precaution is commonly recommended for patients receiving radioactive iodine therapy?

• A. Share a room with family after 24 hours
• B. Private room or isolation
• C. No precautions
• D. Wear a mask at all times

Answer: (B)

Radiation safety is the key idea. Radioactive iodine emits radiation from inside the patient, so to protect others, the person is placed in a private room or kept in isolation. This reduces exposure to family and healthcare staff by limiting close contact and time spent near the patient, and it often includes measures like a dedicated bathroom and visiting restrictions. The other options don’t address the internal source of radiation or reduce exposure effectively. Wearing a mask doesn’t mitigate the risk of radiation to others, and sharing a room or having no precautions would increase exposure.

Radiation safety is the key idea. Radioactive iodine emits radiation from inside the patient, so to protect others, the person is placed in a private room or kept in isolation. This reduces exposure to family and healthcare staff by limiting close contact and time spent near the patient, and it often includes measures like a dedicated bathroom and visiting restrictions. The other options don’t address the internal source of radiation or reduce exposure effectively. Wearing a mask doesn’t mitigate the risk of radiation to others, and sharing a room or having no precautions would increase exposure.