Nokea
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.
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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.
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.
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 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.
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.