Deck 10: Herbal Therapy and Nutritional Supplements

Question 1

A thorough understanding of herbs is critical to patient safety. An example is the use of cinnamon to treat type II diabetes. It is important the patient uses Ceylon cinnamon, as the commercially available cassia cinnamon contains:

A) Coumadin, which may lead to bleeding problems
B) Coumarin, which can cause liver and kidney damage
C) Cinnamic aldehyde, which is toxic to the kidney
D) Cinnamate eugenol, which is toxic to the liver

Answer 1

Coumarin, which can cause liver and kidney damage

Question 2

When melatonin is used to induce sleep, the recommendation is that the patient:

A) Take 10 mg 30 minutes before bed nightly
B) Take 1 to 5 mg 30 minutes before bed nightly
C) Not take melatonin more than three nights a week
D) Combine melatonin with zolpidem (Ambien) for the greatest impact on sleep

Answer 2

Not take melatonin more than three nights a week

Question 3

A good history of herb and supplement use is critical before prescribing because approximately ____ % of patients in the United States are using herbal products.

A) 10
B) 5
C) 38
D) 70

Answer 3

38

Question 4

Patients need to be instructed regarding the drug interactions with St John's wort, including:

A) MAO inhibitors
B) Serotonin reuptake inhibitors
C) Over-the-counter cough and cold medications
D) All of the above

Question 5

A potential harmful effect on patients who take some herbal medication is:

A) Constipation
B) Lead poisoning
C) Diarrhea
D) Life-threatening rash

Question 6

The standard dosage of St John's wort for the treatment of mild depression is:

A) 300 mg daily
B) 100 mg three times a day
C) 300 mg three times a day
D) 600 mg three times a day

Question 7

The role of the NP in the use of herbal medication is to:

A) Maintain competence in the prescribing of common herbal remedies
B) Recommend common over-the-counter herbs to patients
C) Educate patients and guide them to appropriate sources of care
D) Encourage patients to not use herbal therapy due to the documented dangers

Question 8

Patients should be warned about the overuse of topical wintergreen oil to treat muscle strains, as overapplication can lead to:

A) Respiratory depression
B) Cardiac disturbance
C) Salicylates poisoning
D) Life-threatening rashes

Question 9

Valerian tea causes relaxation and can be used to help a patient fall asleep. Overdosage of valerian (more than 2.5 gm/dose) may lead to:

A) Cardiac disturbances
B) Central nervous system depression
C) Respiratory depression
D) Skin rashes

Question 10

According to traditional Chinese medicine, if a person who has a fever is given a herb that is yang in nature, such as golden seal, the patient's illness will:

A) Get worse
B) Get better
C) Not be adequately treated
D) Need additional herbs to treat the yang

Question 11

Traditional Chinese medicine utilizes yin (cooling) versus yang (warming) in assessing and treating disease. Menopause is considered a time of imbalance, therefore the Chinese herbalist would prescribe:

A) Herbs which are yang in nature
B) Herbs that are yin in nature
C) Ginger
D) Golden seal

Question 12

Licorice root is a common treatment for dyspepsia. Drug interactions with licorice include:

A) Antihypertensives, diuretics, and digoxin
B) Antidiarrheals, antihistamines, and omeprazole
C) Penicillin antibiotic class and benzodiazepines
D) None of the above

Question 13

In Ayurvedic medicine, treatment is based on the patient's dominant dosha, which is referred to as the person's:

A) Vata
B) Pitta
C) Kapha
D) Prakriti

Question 14

Ginseng, which is taken to assist with memory, may potentiate:

A) Aricept
B) Insulin
C) Digoxin
D) Propranolol

Question 15

Herbs and supplements are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.