Chapter 06: Herbal Therapies

Chapter 06: Herbal Therapies

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. A family member expresses concern that a patient is taking several herbal remedies and worries that they may be unsafe. The nurse will respond by saying that herbs

a.	are classified as medications by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994.
b.	are regulated by the government and are determined to be safe.
c.	aren’t usually effective but are generally harmless.
d.	should be discussed with the patient’s provider in conjunction with other medications.

 

 

ANS:  D

Herbs are sometimes useful but can also be useless or dangerous. There are two types of monographs under development to compile information about these substances, but there are no agencies that regulate safety and efficacy. Patients should always tell providers if they are taking any herbal remedies since there are known drug-herbal interactions and side effects.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)                  REF:   Page 62

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Nursing Intervention: Patient Teaching

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

2. A pregnant woman tells the nurse that she is taking ginger to reduce morning sickness. What will the nurse tell this patient?

a.	“Ginger can cause fetal birth defects.”
b.	“Ginger is not safe during pregnancy.”
c.	“Ginger can cause abortion in low doses.”
d.	“Ginger may be taken in low doses for up to 4 days.”

 

 

ANS:  D

Ginger may be taken during pregnancy for morning sickness, but only on a short-term, low-dose basis. There is no indication that it causes fetal birth defects. Ginger is an abortifacient in large amounts.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)                  REF:   Page 69

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Nursing Intervention: Patient Teaching

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

3. A patient asks the nurse about an herbal supplement and reports that it has a USP seal of approval. The nurse explains that this indicates

a.	identity, potency, purity, and labeling accuracy.
b.	premarket testing for safety and efficacy.
c.	structure and function claims may be made.
d.	the supplement’s ability to prevent and treat disease.

 

 

ANS:  A

The USP “seal of approval” is a fee-based test and reports on identity, potency, purity, and labeling accuracy. It does not indicate premarket research on safety and accuracy, does not allow manufacturers to make claims about the function of the products, and does not indicate the substance’s ability to prevent and treat disease.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)                  REF:   Page 63

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Nursing Intervention: Patient Teaching

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

4. A woman reports using aloe vera to treat constipation. Which response by the nurse is correct?

a.	“Aloe vera is for external use only.”
b.	“Please tell me if you are taking cardiac medications or diuretics.”
c.	“Side effects of aloe vera are common.”
d.	“You may experience a decrease in menstrual flow while taking aloe vera.”

 

 

ANS:  B

Patients taking aloe vera should consult with their provider if taking cardiac medications or diuretics. It is for internal and external use. Side effects are rare except with long-term use or in large doses. Aloe vera can increase menstrual flow.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)                  REF:   Page 67

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Assessment/Nursing Intervention

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies