Nokea
A patient tells the nurse that she wants to start taking the herbal product goldenseal to improve her health. The nurse will assess for which potential cautions or contraindications to goldenseal?
- A. Taking a proton-pump inhibitor
- B. Nasal congestion
- C. Hypothyroidism
- D. Taking an antihypertensive drug
- E. Sinus infections
- F. Pregnancy
Correct Answer: A,D,F
Rationale: Goldenseal is contraindicated in patients with acute or chronic gastrointestinal disorders and during pregnancy (because it has uterine stimulant properties). It should be used with caution by those with cardiovascular disorders. Potential drug interactions may occur with gastric acid suppressors such as antacids, histamine H2 blockers (e.g., ranitidine), and proton-pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole), theoretically because of their reduced effectiveness resulting from the acid-promoting effect of the herb, and with antihypertensive drugs (because of the vasoconstrictive activity of the herb). Goldenseal is potentially useful for sinus infections and chronic nasal allergies.
You may also like to solve these questions
A patient with a tracheostomy has difficulty removing excessive, thick mucus from the respiratory tract. The nurse expects that which drug will be ordered to aid in the removal of mucus?
- A. Guaifenesin
- B. Benzonatate
- C. Diphenhydramine
- D. Dextromethorphan
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Expectorants such as guaifenesin work to loosen and thin sputum and the bronchial secretions, thereby indirectly diminishing the tendency to cough. The other drugs listed do not have this effect.
A patient will be receiving diphenhydramine via a PEG tube, 25 mg, every 8 hours for an allergic rash. The medication is available as a 12.5 mg/5 mL syrup. Identify how many milliliters will the nurse administer with each dose.
Correct Answer: 10 mL
Rationale: 12.5 mg : 5 mL :: 25 mg : x mL; (12.5 * x) = (5 * 25); 12.5x = 125; x = 125/12.5 = 10 mL.
During a routine checkup, a patient states that she is unable to take the prescribed antihistamine because of one of its most common adverse effects. The nurse suspects that which adverse effect has been bothering this patient?
- A. Constipation
- B. Abdominal cramps
- C. Drowsiness
- D. Decreased libido
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Drowsiness is usually the main side effect that bothers people who take antihistamines.
A patient has been advised to add an adrenergic decongestant nasal spray to treat a cold. The nurse will include which instruction?
- A. You won't see effects for at least 1 week.
- B. Limit use of this spray to 3 to 5 days.
- C. Continue the spray until nasal stuffiness has resolved.
- D. Avoid use of this spray if a fever develops.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Frequent, long-term, or excessive use of adrenergic nasal decongestants may lead to rebound congestion if used beyond the recommended time. The other instructions are incorrect.
When teaching a patient who will be receiving antihistamines, the nurse will include which instructions?
- A. Antihistamines are generally safe to take with over-the-counter medications.
- B. Take the medication on an empty stomach to maximize absorption of the drug.
- C. Take the medication with food to minimize gastrointestinal distress.
- D. Drink extra fluids if possible.
- E. Antihistamines may cause restlessness and disturbed sleep.
- F. Avoid activities that require alertness until you know how adverse effects are tolerated.
Correct Answer: C,D,F
Rationale: Antihistamines should be taken with food, even though this slightly reduces the absorption of the drug, so as to minimize the gastrointestinal upset that can occur. Over-the-counter medications must not be taken with an antihistamine unless approved by the physician because of the serious drug interactions that may occur. Drinking extra fluids will help to ease the removal of secretions, and activities that require alertness, such as driving, must not be engaged in until the patient knows how he or she responds to the sedating effects of antihistamines.