Chapter 07: Over-the-Counter Drugs and Herbal and Dietary Supplements

Chapter 07: Over-the-Counter Drugs and Herbal and Dietary Supplements

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. 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?

a.	“Most herbal remedies are not harmful and are safe for use during pregnancy.”
b.	“Please read each label carefully before use to check for cautionary warnings.”
c.	“Keep in mind that products from different manufacturers are required to contain consistent amounts of the herbal products.”
d.	“It’s important to remember that herbal remedies do not have proven safety ratings for pregnant women.”

 

 

ANS:  D

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.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)                  REF:   p. 93

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Health Promotion and Maintenance

 

2. 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 of 1994, which statement is true?

a.	Medicinal herbs are viewed as dietary supplements.
b.	Herbal remedies are held to the same standards as drugs.
c.	Producers of herbal products must prove therapeutic efficacy.
d.	Herbal remedies are protected by patent laws.

 

 

ANS:  A

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.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Understanding (Comprehension)    REF:   p. 89

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: General

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

3. 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?

a.	Digitalis
b.	Anticoagulants
c.	Sedatives
d.	Immunosuppressants

 

 

ANS:  C

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

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Understanding (Comprehension)    REF:   p. 90

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Assessment

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential

 

4. 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?

a.	“The over-the-counter drug has helped you, so you should continue to take it.”
b.	“The over-the-counter dosage may not be strong enough. You should be taking prescription-strength for best effects.”
c.	“For best results, you need to watch what you eat in addition to taking this drug.”
d.	“Using this drug may relieve your symptoms, but it does not address the cause. You should be seen by your health care provider.”

 

 

ANS:  D

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.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)                  REF:   p. 87

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Planning

MSC:  NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care