A nurse is teaching a client who is scheduled to receive radioactive iodine therapy for treatment of hyperthyroidism. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Rationale: A. Remain 0.3 m (1 ft) away from children: Clients receiving radioactive iodine therapy are advised to maintain a greater distance—typically 1 to 2 meters (3 to 6 feet)—from children and pregnant women for several days to limit radiation exposure. B. Limit the time spent around women who are pregnant to 10 min daily: Clients should actually avoid close contact with pregnant women entirely for several days post-treatment, not merely limit contact time, to prevent radiation exposure to the fetus. C. Use disposable utensils for meals: After radioactive iodine therapy, clients may excrete small amounts of radiation in saliva and other bodily fluids. Using disposable utensils helps prevent contaminating shared household items and protects others from exposure. D. Use an absorbent pad if incontinent: While using precautions to manage bodily fluids is important, this instruction is relevant only if the client is incontinent. It is not a universal teaching point for all clients undergoing radioactive iodine therapy.