Nokea
A 25-year-old woman is visiting the prenatal clinic and shares with the nurse her desire to go 'natural' with her pregnancy. She shows the nurse a list of herbal remedies that she wants to buy so that she can 'avoid taking any drugs.' Which statement by the nurse is correct?
- A. Most herbal remedies are not harmful and are safe for use during pregnancy.'
- B. Please read each label carefully before use to check for cautionary warnings.'
- C. Keep in mind that products from different manufacturers are required to contain consistent amounts of the herbal products.'
- D. It's important to remember that herbal remedies do not have proven safety ratings for pregnant women.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The fact that a drug is an herbal or a dietary supplement does not mean that it can be safely administered to pregnant women. Many herbal products have not been tested for safety during pregnancy. Reading labels may not provide sufficient safety information, and manufacturers are not required to ensure consistent herbal content.
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During an assessment, the patient tells the nurse that he takes a garlic supplement for its cardiovascular benefits. Which drug or drug class, if taken, would have a potential interaction with the garlic?
- A. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- B. Insulin
- C. Antilipemic drugs
- D. Sedatives
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Garlic may interfere with hypoglycemic drugs like insulin, potentially affecting blood sugar control. No significant interactions are noted with acetaminophen, antilipemic drugs, or sedatives.
The patient wants to take the herbal product kava to help him rest at night. The nurse would be concerned about potential interactions if he is taking a medication from which class of drugs?
- A. Digitalis
- B. Anticoagulants
- C. Sedatives
- D. Immunosuppressants
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Kava may cause increased central nervous system depression when combined with sedatives, leading to potential interactions. No significant interactions are noted with digitalis, anticoagulants, or immunosuppressants.
The nurse is reviewing the criteria for over-the-counter drugs. Which criteria for over-the-counter status in the United States are accurate? (Select all that apply.)
- A. The drug must be easy to use.
- B. The drug must have a low therapeutic index.
- C. The consumer must be able to monitor the drug's effectiveness.
- D. The drug must have a low potential for abuse.
- E. The drug must not have any interactions with other drugs.
Correct Answer: A,C,D
Rationale: Criteria for OTC status in the U.S. include the drug being easy to use, having a low potential for abuse, and allowing consumers to monitor effectiveness. The drug should have a high therapeutic index (not low) and limited, not zero, interactions with other drugs.
A patient wants to take the herb gingko to help his memory. The nurse reviews his current medication list and would be concerned about potential interactions if he is taking a medication from which class of drugs?
- A. Digitalis
- B. Antiplatelet drugs
- C. Sedatives
- D. Immunosuppressants
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Gingko increases the risk of bleeding when taken with antiplatelet drugs (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel) or anticoagulants. No significant interactions are noted with digitalis, sedatives, or immunosuppressants.
The patient has been taking an over-the-counter (OTC) acid-reducing drug because he has had 'stomach problems' for several months. He tells the nurse that the medicine helps as long as he takes it, but once he stops it, the symptoms return. Which statement by the nurse is the best advice for this patient?
- A. The over-the-counter drug has helped you, so you should continue to take it.'
- B. The over-the-counter dosage may not be strong enough. You should be taking prescription-strength for best effects.'
- C. For best results, you need to watch what you eat in addition to taking this drug.'
- D. Using this drug may relieve symptoms, but it does not address the cause. Please make an appointment with your health care provider.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The use of OTC drugs may relieve symptoms but does not address underlying causes of chronic conditions. Consulting a healthcare provider is necessary to investigate the cause of persistent symptoms, rather than relying solely on OTC medication or dietary changes.