Question 1

Which is a concern regarding the use of the natural health product kava?

Accepted Answer

The herb kava is found in herbal and homeopathic preparations and sometimes in food.Kava is promoted for the treatment of anxiety,nervousness,insomnia,pain,and muscle tension.Health Canada has issued warnings about possible liver toxicity with the use of kava root.In 2012,after a 10-year ban,Health Canada regulated kava root as a new drug.

Question 2

A patient says that he eats large amounts of garlic for its cardiovascular benefits.Which drug,if taken,could have a potential interaction with the garlic?

Accepted Answer

When taking garlic,taking any drugs that may interfere with platelet and clotting functions should be avoided.These drugs include antiplatelet drugs,anticoagulants (e.g.,warfarin),nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),and acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin).Acetaminophen,digoxin,and phenytoin do not have interactions with garlic.

Question 3

The role of the Natural Health Products Directorate (NPHD)is to see that

Accepted Answer

The NPHD ensures access to safe,effective,and quality natural health products.

Question 4

A patient tells the nurse that she wants to begin taking St.John's wort for treatment of depression.The nurse should warn her about which substance that may cause an interaction with St.John's wort?

Accepted Answer

Drug interactions may occur with the ingestion of other serotonergic drugs,such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; the drug interaction may lead to serotonin syndrome.

Question 5

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 natural health products that she wishes to take so she can "avoid taking any drugs." Which statement represents the nurse's best response?

Accepted Answer

Natural health products are actually drugs of mostly unproven safety,especially for pregnant women; many have not been tested for safety during pregnancy.Manufacturers are not required to provide cautionary statements or guarantee the reliability of the contents.The labels on natural health products may not provide enough information for use during pregnancy.Manufacturers of natural health products are not required to guarantee the reliability of the contents.

Question 6

When teaching patients about over-the-counter (OTC)and natural health products,the nurse should teach the patients that

Accepted Answer

Natural health products and OTC drugs are not necessarily safe for infants,children,and pregnant or lactating women; the health care provider should be contacted before use."Histamine-blocking agents should be taken with antacids to prevent gastrointestinal upset," "Drug interactions are rare with OTC products because OTC drugs are safer than prescription drugs," and "Manufacturers of natural health products are required to provide evidence of safety and effectiveness; therefore,check the labels carefully" are all false statements.

Question 7

Which statement is true regarding the use of OTC drugs? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

"Use of OTC drugs may delay treatment of more serious ailments," "OTC drugs may relieve symptoms without addressing the cause of the problem," and "Patients may misunderstand product labels and misuse the drugs" are all true statements about the use of OTC drugs and should be included when patients are being taught about their use.Drug interactions may indeed occur with prescription medications and other OTC drugs.Normally,OTC drugs are intended for short-term treatment of minor ailments.

Question 8

Patients from which culture will not report gastrointestinal symptoms caused by OTC drugs or natural health products?

Accepted Answer

Japanese patients experiencing nausea,vomiting,or bowel changes as a result of OTC drugs or natural health products often do not mention these symptoms.Because the Japanese culture considers complaining about gastrointestinal symptoms to be unacceptable,these symptoms may go unreported.The nurse needs to be aware of this implication for this ethnocultural group.

Quiz 8: Over-the-Counter Drugs and Natural Health Products