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.
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The nurse is giving a lecture about current U.S. laws and regulations of herbal products. According to the United States Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act of 1994, which statement is true?
- A. Medicinal herbs are viewed as dietary supplements.
- B. Herbal remedies are held to the same standards as drugs.
- C. Producers of herbal products must prove therapeutic efficacy.
- D. Herbal remedies are protected by patent laws.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Current U.S. laws, under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, classify herbal products as dietary supplements, not subject to the same rigorous efficacy and safety standards as drugs. Producers are not required to prove therapeutic efficacy, and herbal remedies are not specifically protected by patent laws.
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 conducting a class for senior citizens about the use of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Which statements are true regarding the use of OTC drugs? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Use of OTC drugs may delay treatment of serious ailments.
- B. Drug interactions with OTC medications are rare.
- C. OTC drugs may relieve symptoms without addressing the cause of the problem.
- D. OTC drugs are indicated for long-term treatment of conditions.
- E. Patients may misunderstand product labels and use the drugs improperly.
Correct Answer: A,C,E
Rationale: OTC drugs may delay treatment of serious ailments, relieve symptoms without addressing the cause, and patients may misunderstand labels, leading to improper use. Drug interactions with OTC medications are not rare, and OTC drugs are typically intended for short-term, not long-term, treatment.
A patient calls the clinic to ask about taking cranberry dietary supplement capsules because a friend recommended them. The nurse will discuss which possible concern when a patient is taking cranberry supplements?
- A. It may increase the risk for bleeding if the patient is taking anticoagulants.
- B. It may increase the risk of toxicity of some psychotherapeutic drugs.
- C. It may reduce elimination of drugs that are excreted by the kidneys.
- D. Cranberry may increase the intensity and duration of effects of caffeine.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cranberry can decrease the elimination of drugs that are renally excreted, potentially increasing their effects or toxicity. It does not significantly affect bleeding risk, psychotherapeutic drugs, or caffeine effects.
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