Radiation safety precautions with ¹³¹iodine therapy

Abstract

An integral part of the treatment of most thyroid cancer patients is the administration of ¹³¹iodine. These patients should be hospitalized when given ¹³¹I. This paper reviews the basics of nuclear and radiation physics as applied to ¹³¹I therapy. Discussed in detail are the various facets of radiation safety which nurses need to be aware of when caring for a thyroid cancer patient treated with ¹³¹l. Among these facets are patient room assignment, regulation of visitors, patient feeding, handling of wastes, and procedures to follow in case of emergency surgery or death.