Which action should the nurse recommend for a client following radioactive iodine therapy to minimize radiation exposure to others?

Following radioactive iodine therapy, minimizing radiation exposure to others is vital due to the potential for radiation to be emitted from the client. The recommendation to sleep in a separate guest room for about one week is appropriate because it helps to create a physical distance from family members, especially vulnerable individuals such as children and pregnant women, who may be more susceptible to radiation.

This action allows the client to still maintain some level of normalcy while taking necessary precautions to limit the risk of radiation exposure to others. Sleeping in a separate room can help reduce the likelihood of close contact during the night and limit exposure.

Other options are less effective in minimizing radiation exposure. For instance, sleeping in one’s own bed does not provide a buffer zone from family members and may lead to greater exposure. Preparing meals for family members may also pose a risk, as close proximity can increase the chance of radiation transmission through contact. Limiting bathroom use to once a day is not a practical method for reducing radiation exposure and does not address the key issue of proximity to others. Thus, the recommendation of using a guest room is the best strategy for minimizing exposure during the period when the radioactive iodine is still present in the client's body.