What teaching should the nurse anticipate for a client who has initiated the use of herbal supplements?

1. Providing a variety of places to purchase their supplements
2. Discontinuation of other medications
3. Beginning with the lowest recommended dose
4. Eliminating the supplement from the diet so as not to cause toxicity


Correct Answer: 3

Rationale 1: Providing a variety of places to purchase their supplements is incorrect because it would be important for the client to purchase the supplements at one place, preferably where the client also purchases prescribed medications. This way, the pharmacist would be aware of interactions with drugs and supplements.
Rationale 2: Discontinuation of other medications is incorrect because herbal supplements may be taken with other medications, but the primary health care provider should be informed.
Rationale 3: When starting a new herbal supplement, always begin with the lowest possible dose and observe for possible side effects.
Rationale 4: Eliminating the supplement from the diet so as not to cause toxicity is incorrect because diet should be nutritionally adequate, and foods that naturally supply the needed vitamins/minerals should be added before taking supplements.

Global Rationale: When starting a new herbal supplement, always begin with the lowest possible dose and observe for possible side effects. Providing a variety of places to purchase their supplements is incorrect because it would be important for the client to purchase the supplements at one place, preferably where the client also purchases prescribed medications. This way, the pharmacist would be aware of interactions with drugs and supplements. Discontinuation of other medications is incorrect because herbal supplements may be taken with other medications, but the primary health care provider should be informed. Eliminating the supplement from the diet so as not to cause toxicity is incorrect because diet should be nutritionally adequate, and foods that naturally supply the needed vitamins/minerals should be added before taking supplements.

Nursing

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