A mental health nurse has recently discovered that her client is taking an ephedra-based weight-loss product that is marketed as a "totally herbal remedy for weight loss." Which of the following is the most important nursing action?

Question

A) The nurse should talk with the client about the potential for adverse events that can result from the use of ephedra.
B) The nurse should instruct the client in the appropriate usage and dosing of the herbal remedy.
C) The nurse should ask the client whether or not he or she has tried other weight-reduction strategies.
D) The nurse should be certain that the client does not take the herbal remedy on the same dosing schedule as the client's other medications.

Answer 1

Ans: A
The nurse should discuss herbal remedies with the client in terms of potential adverse side effects and interactions. Particularly in the case of ephedra-based remedies, herbal preparations can have severe toxic and potentially life-threatening consequences for some clients. Although the other options are important, the correct answer would be a primary concern in this case.