After receiving radioactive iodine therapy, which precaution should the client follow?

Study for the UWorld Pharmacology Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Following radioactive iodine therapy, it is crucial to minimize exposure to others due to the potential for radiation to be emitted from the body. One important precaution is to use a separate toilet and flush it multiple times after each use. This measure helps to ensure that any radioactive material excreted in urine is effectively minimized and reduces the risk of contamination to others.

Using a separate toilet and flushing multiple times significantly decreases the chance of family members or others coming into contact with radioactive waste, thus helping to protect them from unnecessary radiation exposure. This practice is part of broader safety instructions typically given to patients undergoing radiation therapy, ensuring public safety and personal hygiene.

The other options do not adequately address the necessary precautions after such treatment. For example, avoiding close contact with only adults could overlook the risk to children or pregnant women, while stopping the use of disposable utensils is unnecessary and could lead to increased plastic waste without health benefits. Lastly, breastfeeding should not resume immediately, as radioactive materials can be transferred to the infant through breast milk, posing health risks.

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