What precautions are most important when a patient is receiving radioactive iodine?

When a patient is receiving radioactive iodine, one of the most important precautions is to wear gloves during contact with urine. Radioactive iodine can be excreted through bodily fluids, including urine. Proper hand hygiene and the use of gloves help to protect healthcare providers and caregivers from exposure to radiation. This precaution is vital in minimizing the risk associated with handling potentially contaminated materials, ensuring both safety and compliance with protocols for handling radioactive substances.

Other options highlight different precautions that may be relevant in various contexts, but they do not specifically address the immediate and personal protective measures necessary when interacting with bodily fluids containing radioactive materials. For instance, while isolation can be important in certain situations to reduce exposure to others, it is not always required for the entire duration of treatment. Excessive fluid administration may have its benefits in terms of hydration or safeguarding the renal system, but it is not the primary precaution required. Similarly, monitoring blood pressure is important in patient care but does not specifically pertain to the handling or contact with radioactive iodine. Focusing on wearing gloves ensures that healthcare providers maintain a safe barrier when dealing with the patient's excretions, which is the most relevant precaution in this scenario.