Question 1

A patient says that he eats large amounts of garlic for its cardiovascular benefits.Which of the following drugs,if taken,could have a potential interaction with the garlic?&#10;A)acetaminophen (Tylenol)&#10;B)warfarin (Coumadin)&#10;C)digoxin (Lanoxin)&#10;D)phenytoin (Dilantin)

Accepted Answer

When taking garlic,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 2

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 of the following substances that may cause an interaction with St.John's wort?

A)digoxin (Lanoxin),diuretics,and steroids
B)All caffeine-containing products
C)Alcoholic beverages
D)Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

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 3

Patients from which of the following cultures will not complain of gastrointestinal symptoms caused by over-the-counter (OTC)drugs or natural health products?&#10;A)Chinese&#10;B)Japanese&#10;C)Hispanic&#10;D)Europeans

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.

Question 4

Which of the following is a concern regarding the use of the natural health product kava?&#10;A)Cancer risk&#10;B)Liver toxicity&#10;C)Cardiovascular incidents&#10;D)Intestinal disorders

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.Worldwide case reports of kava's association with liver dysfunction,particularly in individuals with compromised liver function because of pre-existing liver conditions,prompted Health Canada to issue a stop-sale order for kava.Kava has been reclassified as a conventional drug.

Question 5

The Natural Health Products Directorate ensures which of the following?&#10;A)Access to safe,effective,and quality natural health products&#10;B)Natural health products are held to the same standards as drugs.&#10;C)Producers of natural health products must prove therapeutic efficacy.&#10;D)Natural health products are protected by patent laws.

Accepted Answer

The Natural Health Products Directorate ensures access to safe,effective,and quality natural health products.

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

A)Most natural health products are nontoxic and safe for use during pregnancy.
B)Please read the labels carefully before use to check for cautionary warnings.
C)Products from different manufacturers are required to contain consistent amounts of herbal constituents.
D)Natural health products are actually drugs with unproven safety and should not be taken during pregnancy without medical supervision.

Accepted Answer

Natural health products are actually drugs of mostly unproven safety,especially for pregnant women.Manufacturers are not required to provide cautionary statements or guarantee the reliability of the contents.
Many natural health products have not been tested for safety during pregnancy.Reading 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 7

Which of the following statements is true regarding the use of over-the-counter (OTC)drugs? Select all that apply.&#10;A)Use of OTC drugs may delay treatment for more serious ailments.&#10;B)Drug interactions with OTC medications are rare.&#10;C)OTC drugs may relieve symptoms without addressing the cause of the problem.&#10;D)OTC drugs are indicated for long-term treatment of conditions.&#10;E)Patients may misunderstand product labels and misuse the drugs.

Accepted Answer

"Use of OTC drugs may delay treatment for 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" all reflect true statements about the use of OTC drugs,and should be included when teaching patients 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

When teaching patients about over-the-counter (OTC)and natural health products,the nurse should teach which of the following?&#10;A)Histamine-blocking agents should be taken with antacids to prevent gastrointestinal upset.&#10;B)Drug interactions are rare with OTC products because OTC drugs are safer than prescription drugs.&#10;C)Manufacturers of natural health products are required to provide evidence of safety and effectiveness; therefore, check the labels carefully.&#10;D)Natural health products and OTC drugs cannot be safely administered to infants,children,and pregnant or lactating women without first checking with the health care provider.

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.

Deck 7: Over-The-Counter Drugs and Natural Health Products