Endocrinology: radioiodine contraindication: practice question

A General Medicine question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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General Medicine · Endocrinology: radioiodine contraindication

Sample item

Which of the following is an absolute contraindication to radioiodine therapy for hyperthyroidism?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Pregnancy

Radioiodine crosses the placenta and ablates the fetal thyroid, so pregnancy and breastfeeding are contraindications and pregnancy must be excluded before the dose. Toxic nodular goitre is a good indication. Women are advised to avoid conception for six months afterwards.

Option by option

  • A. Pregnancy (correct)

    Correct. Pregnancy is an absolute contraindication.

  • B. Age above 40 years

    Age above 40 is not a contraindication.

  • C. Previous use of antithyroid drugs

    Previous antithyroid drugs do not prohibit radioiodine.

  • D. Toxic multinodular goitre

    Toxic nodular goitre is a standard indication.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this General Medicine question

What is the answer to this General Medicine question?

The best answer is A, Pregnancy. Radioiodine crosses the placenta and ablates the fetal thyroid, so pregnancy and breastfeeding are contraindications and pregnancy must be excluded before the dose.

Why is "Age above 40 years" not the answer?

Age above 40 is not a contraindication.

Why is "Previous use of antithyroid drugs" not the answer?

Previous antithyroid drugs do not prohibit radioiodine.

Why is "Toxic multinodular goitre" not the answer?

Toxic nodular goitre is a standard indication.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Endocrinology: radioiodine contraindication in General Medicine. Toxic nodular goitre is a good indication. Women are advised to avoid conception for six months afterwards.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Endocrinology: radioiodine contraindication?

For each disease know the classic presentation, the best test, and the first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other General Medicine questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.