International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

Treatment with which radioactive compound necessitates weaning the baby a few weeks prior to the procedure?

1. Iodine 131

2. Cobalt 60

3. Radium 226

4. Uranium 238

The correct answer is: Iodine 131

The correct answer is Iodine 131, which is often used in the treatment of thyroid disorders, such as hyperthyroidism and certain types of thyroid cancer. This radioactive isotope can be incorporated into thyroid tissue, and its radiation can be harmful, particularly to sensitive tissues like those found in newborns and infants. Due to the potential for excretion of the radioactive compound through breast milk, it is highly advised that lactating parents wean their infants a few weeks before undergoing treatment with Iodine 131. This precaution helps to minimize the risk of radioactive exposure to the breastfeeding child. In contrast, the other compounds listed—Cobalt 60, Radium 226, and Uranium 238—are not typically associated with the same procedures or considerations regarding breastfeeding. While they may have their own health implications and guidelines for treatment, they do not feature the same critical need to wean prior to treatment as seen with Iodine 131.