The nurse is teaching a class for clients about over-the-counter (OTC) medications. The nurse determines that education has been effective when the clients make which statement?

Question

1. "We should not take any over-the-counter (OTC) medicine without first calling and checking with the doctor's office."
2. "We should always ask the pharmacist about how to take the over-the-counter (OTC) medicine."
3. "We must read all the directions on the label and call the doctor's office if they are not clear."
4. "Medicines that are available over-the-counter (OTC) are really safe, or they would be prescription medicines."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: In most cases, clients may treat themselves safely if they carefully follow instructions included with the medication. It is not realistic to expect clients to call the doctor's office before taking any over-the-counter (OTC) medicine. Most OTC medicines have a high margin of safety, but none is considered completely safe. Asking the pharmacist is a good idea, but does not replace reading the label directions. Also, the pharmacist might not always be in the store when the medicine is purchased.