Deck 7: Over-The-Counter Drugs and Herbal and Dietary Supplements

Question 1

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.

Answer 1

It may reduce elimination of drugs that are excreted by the kidneys.

Question 2

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

Answer 2

Sedatives

Question 3

The nurse is giving a lecture about current U.S. laws and regulations of herbal products. According to the 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.

Answer 3

Medicinal herbs are viewed as dietary supplements.

Question 4

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 your symptoms, but it does not address the cause. Please make an appointment with your health care provider."

Question 5

The nurse is reviewing the criteria for over-the-counter drugs. Which criteria for over-the-counter status in the United States are accurate?

A) The drug must be easy to use.
B) The drug must have a low therapeutic index.
C) The consumer must be able to monitor the drug's effectiveness.
D) The drug must have a low potential for abuse.
E) The drug must not have any interactions with other drugs.

Question 6

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."

Question 7

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

Question 8

A patient with a PEG tube is to receive ferrous sulfate, 65 mg per the tube, daily. The medication is available as an elixir, 220 mg/5 mL. How many milliliters will the patient receive per dose? Record your answer using one decimal place.

Question 9

During an assessment, the patient tells the nurse that he eats large amounts of garlic 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

Question 10

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?

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.