Competency: 14

Details

Observe and assist in the administration of 131 I therapy for benign and malignant disease of the thyroid gland

Considerations

• Therapeutic applications of radionuclides in nuclear medicine.
• The mode of uptake and radiation emissions and the impact this may make on the patient.
• How to identify the practitioner with the specific Administration of Radioactive Substances Advisory Committee (ARSAC) certificate.
• SOPs and the importance of:
  • patient preparation, including the need to stop other drug therapy before the therapy is given
  • reason for the therapy
  • presenting pathology
  • radiopharmaceutical administered
  • administration and mode of uptake
  • dose administered and the Administration of Radioactive Substances Advisory Committee (ARSAC) limit
  • requirement for inpatient stay and safe dose rates for patient discharge
  • patient information on discharge
  • contamination monitoring of facilities
  • decontamination of facilities
  • storage and disposal of radioactive waste and contaminated items
  • documentation.
• Medical emergencies after the administration of radionuclide therapy.

Relevant learning outcomes