Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Integrative Medicine and Alternative Therapies Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Integrative Medicine and Alternative Therapies related questions and content

Although 25% of prescription drugs are derived from plants, interest in self-treatment using herbs has been on the rise. Which of the following is the reason for this?

  • A. Prescribed drugs are subjected to federal regulations.
  • B. Herbs are easily available.
  • C. There are differences in molecular structure between the source plant and the synthesized drug.
  • D. Using only parts of a plant may not have the same effects as using the whole plant.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Herbalists argue that consuming the whole plant has different effects. Prescribed drugs contain only one or two extracts or synthetic substances that match the molecular structure of the source plant. Therefore, in many cases, the molecular structure may be the same. Regulations are relevant to producers of drugs or herbal products, not the users.