The nurse learns that a patient plans to try St. John's wort for depression. How should the nurse respond to the patient about this herbal remedy?
a. "Some people believe it can be helpful for depression. Because it is an herb, it would be safe to try it."
b. "Herbs are medicines. You should not try anything without first consulting your primary care provider."
c. "Herbs can be dangerous. You should avoid taking them while you are on other medications, because interactions could occur."
d. "St. John's wort has been shown in research to be safe and effective for treating depression. Be sure to follow the package instructions."
ANS: B
B. Any herb can be effective for some and dangerous for others, depending on medical history and other prescribed medications. The primary care provider should always be consulted before the patient tries something new. A. Not all herbal remedies are safe for all people. C. Some herbal preparations are safe to take with prescribed medications. D. The patient needs to discuss the use of this herbal remedy with the primary care provider before ingesting.
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