Question 1

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?

Accepted Answer

The use of garlic may interfere with hypoglycemic drugs. The other options are incorrect because acetaminophen, antilipemic drugs, and sedatives do not have interactions with garlic.

Question 2

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?

Accepted Answer

The use of cranberry decreases the elimination of many drugs that are renally excreted. The other concerns do not occur with cranberry supplements.

Question 3

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?

Accepted Answer

The use of gingko increases the risk of bleeding with anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin) and antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel). The other concerns do not occur with gingko supplements.

Question 4

The patient wants to take the herb valerian 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?

Accepted Answer

Valerian may cause increased central nervous system depression if used with sedatives. Digitalis, anticoagulants, and immunosuppressants do not have interactions with valerian.

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? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

In the United States, criteria for over-the-counter status include the drug being easy to use, the drug having a low potential for abuse, and the consumer must be able to monitor the drug's effectiveness for the condition. The drug must have a high therapeutic index (not a low one), and the drug must have limited interactions with other drugs.

Question 6

The patient is asking the nurse about current U.S. laws and regulations of herbal products. According to the Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act ( DSHEA ) of 1994, which statement is true?

Accepted Answer

Current U.S. laws view herbal products as dietary supplements and do not hold them to the same efficacy standards as drugs. The other options do not correctly reflect current U.S. laws regarding herbal supplements.

Question 7

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?

Accepted Answer

The fact that a drug is an herbal or a dietary supplement does not mean that it can be safely administered to children, infants, or pregnant or lactating women. Many herbal products have not been tested for safety during pregnancy. Simply reading the labels may not provide enough information for use during pregnancy. Last, manufacturers of herbal products are not required to guarantee the reliability of the contents.

Question 8

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? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

It is true that use of OTC drugs may delay treatment of serious ailments; OTC drugs may relieve symptoms without addressing the cause of the problem, and patients may misunderstand product labels and use the drugs improperly. These statements should be included when teaching patients about their use. In contrast, drug interactions with OTC medications are not rare and may indeed occur with prescription medications and other OTC drugs. Normally, OTC drugs are intended for short-term treatment of minor ailments.

Question 9

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?

Accepted Answer

The use of OTC drugs may postpone effective management of chronic disease states and may delay treatment of serious or life-threatening disorders because these drugs may relieve symptoms without necessarily addressing the cause of the disorder. The other options do not address the need to investigate the cause of the symptoms and are incorrect.

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