Chapter 107: Dietary Supplements

Chapter 107: Dietary Supplements

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

1. A patient admitted to the emergency department with abdominal pain tells the nurse he has been taking kava. Which of the following should be included in the nurse’s evaluation of this patient? (Select all that apply.)

a.	Ask the patient to provide a urine sample to assess color.
b.	Check the sclera for yellowing.
c.	Listen to the apical rate for tachycardia.
d.	Ask the patient to provide a stool sample to assess color.
e.	Obtain serum liver function studies.

 

 

ANS:   A, B, C, D

In 2002, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a report outlining the association between kava and hepatotoxicity. In 11 cases, patients developed liver failure and required transplantation. Because this patient complained of abdominal pain, the nurse should further explore for signs of liver disease, such as brown urine, yellow sclera, and light-colored stools. Liver function tests should also be obtained to determine whether kava has affected the liver.

Tachycardia is not associated with kava use.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analysis                  REF:    p. 1271

TOP:    Nursing Process: Assessment

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

2. The nurse in a prenatal clinic is working with a pregnant patient who takes multiple herbal supplements. Which herbal supplement taken by the patient would most concern the nurse?

a.	Blue cohosh, because it can induce uterine contractions
b.	Echinacea, because it can suppress immunity
c.	Ginkgo biloba, because it reduces blood flow
d.	Black cohosh, because it causes spontaneous abortion

 

 

ANS:   A

Blue cohosh can induce uterine contractions and should not be taken by pregnant women. The greatest risk to the pregnant patient is uterine contractions.

Short-term use of echinacea does not cause immunosuppression.

Ginkgo biloba increases, not reduces, blood flow.

Black cohosh should not be taken in the first or second trimester of pregnancy because of its estrogenic effects. However, it is not known to cause spontaneous abortion.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analysis                  REF:    p. 1265

TOP:    Nursing Process: Implementation

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

3. The nurse is obtaining a health history from a 70-year-old patient. The patient states that, in addition to other medications and herbals supplements, he takes saw palmetto daily. For which of the following health problems does the nurse suspect the patient is using it?

a.	Gastrointestinal (GI) upset
b.	Insomnia
c.	Enlarged prostate
d.	Skin rash

 

 

ANS:   C

Saw palmetto is frequently used to relieve urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).

Saw palmetto is not used in the treatment of insomnia, GI upset, or skin rash.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application             REF:    p.1269

TOP:    Nursing Process: Assessment

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

4. The nurse is caring for a patient who would like to try a natural alternative to help alleviate some anxiety. The patient tells the nurse, “I plan to start taking valerian. I think it will relieve some of my anxiety.” What patient education is essential for the nurse to provide?

a.	“You should take your supplement in the late evening.”
b.	“Weigh yourself daily and report weight loss.”
c.	“Check your pulse prior to each dose.”
d.	“Take this agent only on a full stomach.”

 

 

ANS:   A

Valerian root is used primarily to promote sleep. It can also be taken to reduce anxiety related restlessness. It may cause daytime drowsiness, so it should be taken in the evening when driving and other potentially dangerous activities are not performed.

Weight loss is not a side effect, therefore daily weights are not indicated.

Checking the pulse prior to each dose is not indicated.

Taking valerian on a full stomach is not necessary.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application             REF:    p. 1271

TOP:    Nursing Process: Implementation

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies