A client experiencing hot flashes from menopause wants to take an all-natural dietary supplement but wonders if the healthcare provider should be consulted first. What should the nurse respond to this client?

Question

a. "Since the product is all natural it should be OK."
b. "Natural products are only a problem when they aren't used as directed."
c. "I wouldn't bother the healthcare provider with this when you can ask your pharmacist."
d. "Even all-natural products can produce adverse side effects or be toxic, so use should always be discussed with your healthcare provider."

Answer 1

d. "Even all-natural products can produce adverse side effects or be toxic, so use should always be discussed with your healthcare provider."


Use of all dietary supplements should be discussed with the healthcare provider to avoid possible drug interactions or toxicities. Products may be labeled as containing all-natural ingredients, but these ingredients may still cause adverse side effects or toxicity. The label "all natural" does not imply that there are no pharmacodynamic effects since many approved drugs were produced from plants and herbal remedies first used by traditional healers. The healthcare provider should be consulted over the pharmacist.