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:

Accepted Answer

Cassia cinnamon contains high levels of coumarin, which can cause liver and kidney damage when consumed in large amounts. Ceylon cinnamon has lower levels of coumarin, making it a safer option for patients with type II diabetes.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

C

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.

Accepted Answer

Approximately 38% of patients in the United States are using herbal products, highlighting the importance of a thorough history of herb and supplement use before prescribing medications to avoid potential interactions.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

St John's wort can interact with MAO inhibitors, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and over-the-counter cough and cold medications, leading to potentially serious side effects. It is important for patients to be aware of these interactions and to talk to their healthcare provider before taking St John's wort with any other medications.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Some herbal medications have been found to be contaminated with heavy metals, including lead, which can cause lead poisoning in patients who take them.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

The standard dosage of St John's wort for the treatment of mild depression is 300 mg three times a day. This adds up to a total daily dosage of 900 mg. Dosages lower than this may not be effective, while higher dosages may increase the risk of side effects. Therefore, option C is the best choice.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

The role of the NP in the use of herbal medication is to educate patients and guide them to appropriate sources of care. NPs should be knowledgeable about common herbal remedies and able to provide guidance to patients seeking such remedies. However, they should also encourage patients to share information about all medications, including herbal remedies, that they are taking with other healthcare providers. NPs should also be aware of potential herb-drug interactions and toxicities, and communicate these risks to patients. While recommending over-the-counter herbs may be appropriate in some cases, this should not be the primary role of the NP. Encouraging patients to not use herbal therapy due to documented dangers is not helpful or appropriate, as many patients may choose to use these remedies regardless of this advice.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Topical wintergreen oil contains methyl salicylate, which can be absorbed through the skin and lead to salicylate poisoning if overused. Symptoms of salicylate poisoning include ringing in the ears, dizziness, headache, confusion, rapid breathing, and even death in severe cases. Therefore, patients using topical wintergreen oil should be cautioned against overusing it.

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:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Valerian tea causes relaxation and can be...

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:

Accepted Answer

In traditional Chinese medicine, illnesses are often categorized as being either yin (cold) or yang (hot) in nature. A fever is considered a yang (hot) condition. Giving a herb that is also yang in nature, like golden seal, would add heat to heat, potentially making the condition worse according to these principles.

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:

Accepted Answer

Menopause is considered a time of yin deficiency, therefore, the Chinese herbalist would prescribe herbs that are yin in nature to balance the imbalance.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Licorice can decrease the effectiveness of antihypertensives and diuretics, leading to increased blood pressure and fluid retention. Licorice can also increase the risk of toxicity from digoxin, a medication used to treat heart failure. Therefore, caution should be taken when using licorice with these medications.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

The dominant dosha in Ayurveda refers to the person's prakriti, which is their individual body constitution determined at birth. It is a combination of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) in varying degrees, unique to each individual. Treatment in Ayurveda involves balancing the doshas and restoring harmony to the body, mind, and spirit based on the person's prakriti.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of Ginseng, which is taken to assist with...

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Herbs and supplements are not as strictly regulated as drugs by the FDA. They fall under a different category of regulation and are subject to less rigorous testing and safety standards.

Quiz 10: Herbal Therapy and Nutritional Supplements