After radioactive iodine therapy for hyperthyroidism, what is a recommended precaution?

• A. No visitors for 24 hours
• B. Visitors can visit after 24 hours
• C. No special precautions needed
• D. Dietary restrictions only

Answer: (A)

After radioactive iodine therapy, the key idea is radiation safety and protecting others from exposure. The iodine-131 used in treatment emits radiation that can reach people nearby, especially if they’re in close contact or share a living space. The highest exposure occurs in the early period right after treatment, so limiting close contact during that time is the most effective precaution. Keeping visitors away for about 24 hours significantly reduces the dose to family and caregivers, particularly to vulnerable individuals like children and pregnant women. Once that initial period passes and the radioactivity begins to drop, precautions can be eased, but the immediate 24-hour window is the critical safety step. The other options either ignore the radiation risk or focus only on non-radiation restrictions, which don’t adequately address the exposure risk right after therapy.