Question 1

The client states that an herbal supplement he is taking is "better" because it is standardized.The nurse bases her response to the client on the fact that standardization:

Accepted Answer

Standardization of herbal supplements refers to the process of ensuring that each batch of the supplement contains a consistent amount of active ingredients. This allows for a comparison of potency among different brands or batches of the same herbal product, ensuring that consumers receive a product that meets a specified level of quality and effectiveness. It does not necessarily indicate that the product was tested for efficacy, underwent clinical trials, or is FDA-approved.

Question 2

A client interested in using herbal therapies expresses concern that they could be dangerous.The nurse explains that herbal products are regulated by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, and that a major benefit of this act is that it includes:

Accepted Answer

The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 allows the FDA to remove products from the market that are found to be unsafe, posing a threat to public health. This act does not require pre-market testing for safety or efficacy, nor does it require manufacturers to prove the safety or efficacy of their products before selling them.

Question 3

The nurse has noticed that more clients are asking about the use of herbal supplements to treat their symptoms.The nurse is aware that this could be related to:

Accepted Answer

Aggressive marketing by the herbal industry has led to an increase in the use of herbal supplements.

Question 4

The nurse recognizes that the major advantage of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)for clients is:

Accepted Answer

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) often focuses on holistic approaches and lifestyle changes that can reduce the need for medications by addressing underlying causes and promoting overall well-being.

Question 5

A client comes to the clinic because of "yellow skin," which appeared after starting to take echinacea.The client lists amiodarone on the list of medications he is currently taking.Which action by the nurse takes highest priority?

Accepted Answer

The highest priority action is to notify the physician because the combination of "yellow skin" (indicative of jaundice) and the use of amiodarone, a medication known for its hepatotoxic potential, suggests a serious adverse reaction that requires immediate medical attention.

Question 6

The nurse obtains information during the admission interview that the client is taking herbal supplements.What implications does this information have for the client's treatment?

Accepted Answer

Herbal supplements can interact with prescribed medications, potentially altering their effects. This can lead to decreased efficacy or increased toxicity of the medications, making it crucial for healthcare providers to be aware of any supplements a patient is taking.

Question 7

A client complains of a severe headache, some dizziness, and increased anxiety/agitation since beginning to take nefazodone (Serzone)for depression.Knowing that the client had tried alternative therapies, including Saint John's wort, prior to agreeing to take Serzone, what might the nurse suspect?

Accepted Answer

Saint John's wort can interact with many medications, including antidepressants like nefazodone (Serzone), potentially leading to increased side effects such as headache, dizziness, and anxiety/agitation. This is due to both substances affecting serotonin levels, which can lead to serotonin syndrome or other adverse effects when combined.

Question 8

The nurse in the long-term care setting begins giving clients evening massages.Using CAM in this manner would have which pharmacological benefit for the clients?

Accepted Answer

Evening massages can help relax the body and mind, potentially reducing the need for sedatives to assist with sleep by promoting natural sleepiness and relaxation.

Question 9

Although attempts are made to standardize the flavones in gingko, the nurse is aware that the ingredients contained in the product can still be particularly dangerous for which clients?

Accepted Answer

Clients who are allergic to the inert ingredients in a product like gingko could experience adverse reactions, making it particularly dangerous for them. The other options do not inherently increase danger based on the standardization of flavones in gingko.

Question 10

A client receiving warfarin (Coumadin)therapy reports use of the herb feverfew.The nurse observes the client for evidence of:

Accepted Answer

Feverfew can interact with warfarin (Coumadin) by enhancing its anticoagulant effects, increasing the risk of bleeding.

Question 11

An internal medicine physician suggests that a client drink one glass of wine each evening to help prevent heart disease.The client explains that his religious beliefs prohibit taking alcohol, in any form, but that he would be willing to try an herbal supplement.What type of formulation should the nurse suggest that this client avoid?

Accepted Answer

Tinctures are alcohol-based herbal extracts, which would not be suitable for someone avoiding alcohol.

Question 12

The nurse supports a client's use of mind-body interventions, and provides privacy to do which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Meditation is a mind-body intervention that involves focusing the mind on a particular thought, object, or activity to achieve relaxation and reduce stress.

Question 13

A client asks the nurse how CAM will benefit her recovery.The nurse knows that the greatest and most common value in CAM therapy is that:

Accepted Answer

CAM therapy can help reduce the need for prescription medication by addressing health issues through alternative methods, which can complement or sometimes reduce reliance on conventional medications.

Question 14

The client states that she has been using the herbal product saw palmetto.The nurse determines that the product is helpful when the client reports:

Accepted Answer

Saw palmetto is commonly used to treat symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which includes difficulty initiating urination. It does not directly affect sleep, pain with urination, or the frequency of headaches.

Question 15

The nurse is preparing to teach a class on herbal supplements.Included in the class is information that which of the following is a legal requirement contained in the DSHEA?

Accepted Answer

The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994 requires that dietary supplements must include a disclaimer stating that the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This is to ensure consumers understand that the supplements are not held to the same rigorous standards as pharmaceutical drugs for proving their safety and efficacy.

Question 16

The client has been taking sertraline hydrochloride (Zoloft)but just added Saint John's wort for depression.He is now in the Emergency Department with serotonin syndrome.The nurse would expect to find:

Accepted Answer

Serotonin syndrome is characterized by symptoms such as sweating, agitation, and headache due to excessive serotonin activity in the brain.

Question 17

The nurse should caution the client who plans to collect plants to use for herbal therapy to gain knowledge about which properties of plant formulations?

Accepted Answer

The active chemicals in plants used for herbal therapy can be found in various parts of the plant, not just in one specific area. This includes the roots, leaves, stems, flowers, or seeds, depending on the plant species and the desired therapeutic effect. Therefore, it's important for individuals to have a comprehensive understanding of where the active chemicals are located within the plant they intend to use.

Question 18

The nurse is advising the client about the proper use of herbal and dietary supplements.What is the responsibility of the nurse in recommending herbal products?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should be knowledgeable about the latest medical information on herbal products, including potential interactions and side effects, to provide accurate and safe advice to clients. This includes understanding that the U.S. government does not rigorously test herbal products before they are marketed, unlike prescription medications.

Question 19

The nurse explains that the benefits of adding dietary supplements to the treatment plan for older adults include:

Accepted Answer

Dietary supplements can help prevent nutritional deficits in older adults, who may have unique nutritional needs or challenges in maintaining a balanced diet.

Question 20

The nurse is aware that based on the DSHEA of 1994, the FDA does which of the following in regard to herbal products?

Accepted Answer

The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994 allows the FDA to enforce standards of safety for herbal products but does not require the standardization of ingredients, proof of efficacy through clinical trials, or the outlining of specific uses for herbal supplements.

Quiz 15: The Role of Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Pharmacotherapy