Matilda, with hyperthyroidism, is to receive Lugol’s iodine solution before a subtotal thyroidectomy is performed. The nurse is aware that this medication is given to:
A. Decrease the total basal metabolic rate.
B. Maintain the function of the parathyroid glands.
C. Block the formation of thyroxine by the thyroid gland.
D. Decrease the size and vascularity of the thyroid gland.
Correct Answer: D. Decrease the size and vascularity of the thyroid gland.
Lugol’s solution provides iodine, which aids in decreasing the vascularity of the thyroid gland, which limits the risk of hemorrhage when surgery is performed.
Option A: Inorganic iodine used preoperatively substantially reduced the mortality rate to 1%. It causes lowering of the basal metabolic rate and heart rate and an increase in body weight.
Option B: This solution does not maintain the function of parathyroid gland and it does not affect them; it prepares the thyroid gland for surgical removal.
Option C: Iodine is needed to make the thyroid hormones, of which thyroxine is the main hormone, but it does not affect small changes in free thyroxine.