A client tells the nurse that he or she is considering using herbal supplements. What is the nurse's best response?

a. "Herbs are not classified as drugs in the United States, so there is no contraindica-tion to using them."
b. "Herbs have pharmacologic effects on the body and can interact with some prescrip-tion medications."
c. "It is never permissible to use herbal sup-plements with prescription medications."
d. "I will refer you to an herbalist, who can help you decide which medications you can take."


B
Although herbs are not classified as drugs, they do possess pharmacologic properties. In caring for a client, the nurse should inquire whether the client takes herbal preparations and, if so, for what purpose. Many herbal preparations have not been adequately studied, and some can interact with prescription medications, causing toxic effects. The nurse should not refer the client to an herbalist. The client should be instructed that there are contraindications to herbal usage, but that herbs can be used with prescription medications, depending on the medication, the herbal sub-stance, and the condition of the client.

Nursing

You might also like to view...

______________ is frequently delayed in girls who are involved in activities that require a lean body and a high level of physical activity

ANS:

Nursing

Healthy adults often experience decreased strength and endurance in performing activities as they age. This can be attributed to

A) an increase in cholecystokinin production. B) a decrease in lean muscle mass. C) lowered absorption of vitamin D. D) depression.

Nursing

A patient comes into the emergency department after being injured in an automobile crash in which a semi-truck hit her car from behind. The nurse will assess this patient for findings associated with which type of injury?

1. Ankylosing spondylitis 2. Axial loading 3. Hyperflexion 4. Hyperextension

Nursing

During a pharmaceutical class, Dr. Patrick explains how a certain class of antipsychotic drugs prevents dopamine from producing its effects by blocking specific membrane receptors for dopamine. As a result, dopamine cannot stimulate its receptors to trigger certain cellular functions, and its effects are no longer experienced. After the discussion, Dr. Patrick asks his students to describe the action of the antipsychotic drugs. Which of the following responses from his students is the most accurate?

A. The antipsychotic drugs act as antagonists. B. The antipsychotic drugs act as inducers. C. The antipsychotic drugs act as modulators. D. The antipsychotic drugs act as agonists.

Nursing