Deck 19: Dietary Supplements in Complementary Care

Question 1

A client reports taking "all natural" echinacea daily to prevent colds and the flu. Which response should the nurse make to this client?

A) "I've heard many people say that it helps to prevent the flu."
B) "All-natural products are safe to use so you don't have to worry about it."
C) "Some dietary supplements may interact with other medications, but since echinacea is a plant you don't have to worry."
D) "Before taking any dietary supplement you should discuss potential adverse side effects with your healthcare provider."

Answer 1

"Before taking any dietary supplement you should discuss potential adverse side effects with your healthcare provider."

Question 2

A client experiencing hot flashes from menopause wants to take an all-natural dietary supplement but wonders if the healthcare provider should be consulted first. What should the nurse respond to this client?

A) "Since the product is all natural it should be OK."
B) "Natural products are only a problem when they aren't used as directed."
C) "I wouldn't bother the healthcare provider with this when you can ask your pharmacist."
D) "Even all-natural products can produce adverse side effects or be toxic, so use should always be discussed with your healthcare provider."

Answer 2

"Even all-natural products can produce adverse side effects or be toxic, so use should always be discussed with your healthcare provider."

Question 3

A client will be starting anticoagulant therapy. Which dietary supplement should the nurse instruct this client to avoid?

A) Garlic
B) Guarana
C) Gotu kola
D) Glucosamine

Answer 3

Garlic

Question 4

A client reports taking licorice root to help with hot flashes caused by menopause. Which assessment finding should the nurse consider as being caused by this dietary supplement? (Select all that apply.)

A) Edema
B) Hypertension
C) Hypothermia
D) Decreased apical heart rate
E) Serum potassium is e.4 mEq/L

Question 5

A client plans to start taking dietary supplements to help with health problems. What should the nurse emphasize about the control of dietary supplements?

A) They are closely regulated by the FDA
B) They are not evaluated by the FDA prior to sale
C) They are allowed to claim to cure or treat conditions
D) They are marketed under the umbrella of natural drugs

Question 6

A client prefers to use dietary supplements to treat health problems instead of medications containing chemicals. What should the nurse explain about the role of the federal government regarding the safety of dietary supplements?

A) They establish stringent criteria for content labeling
B) They closely regulates manufacturing and marketing
C) They require safety to be established in clinical trials
D) The do not conduct a pre-market review of label claims

Question 7

A client is planning to take a dietary supplement believed to prevent the development of respiratory illnesses. Which statement should the nurse assess for when examining the dietary supplement?

A) Cure arthritis
B) Prevent colds
C) Support immune health
D) Prevent high glucose levels

Question 8

The nurse prepares to assess a client. Which question should the nurse use to assess for dietary supplement use?

A) "In addition to your prescribed medication, are you using any over-the-counter remedies, herbs, vitamins, minerals, or other supplements you purchase?"
B) "Are you or your family members using dietary supplements?"
C) "Do you take any other pills to help treat or prevent certain diseases or illnesses?'
D) "Have you ever tried any all-natural weight loss products?"

Question 9

A client reports not taking any dietary supplements but later says that glucosamine is taken three times a day for arthritis pain. What should the nurse respond to this client?

A) "Other clients have told you how much glucosamine helps pain."
B) "Glucosamine is considered a dietary supplement, not a medication."
C) "Glucosamine has not received any negative reports so should be OK to use."
D) "You should discuss all dietary supplements with your healthcare provider before using them to avoid adverse effects."

Question 10

The nurse prepares to assess a client's medication history. Why should the nurse ask about the use of common supplements?

A) Clients may not consider sports bars to be a dietary supplement
B) Clients may misinterpret the question and consider only supplements sued for weight loss
C) Clients may not consider products used for a specific condition to be a dietary supplement
D) Many clients do not consider herbs, botanicals, vitamins, or minerals as dietary supplements

Question 11

A client seeks medical attention for symptoms of an allergic response to ragweed. The use of which dietary supplement should the nurse specifically ask about since it may cause the same symptoms? (Select all that apply.)

A) Garlic
B) Feverfew
C) Echinacea
D) Chamomile
E) Black Cohosh

Question 12

A client reports taking a dietary supplement that is considered "natural." What should the nurse include when responding to this client?

A) Only organic substances are used
B) The ingredients in the product are not processed
C) The active ingredients are found naturally in the environment
D) The product is not proven to be safe or without harmful effects

Question 13

A client who is HIV positive plans to start using dietary supplements to improve health. Which supplement should the nurse instruct this client to avoid?

A) Fish oil
B) Vitamin A
C) Chamomile
D) St. John's wort

Question 14

A client reports vomiting after taking several doses of chitosan. Which type of allergy might this client be demonstrating by the response after taking this dietary supplement?

A) Gluten
B) Sodium
C) Shellfish
D) Bee pollen

Question 15

A client reports a stuffy head and lung congestion after drinking chamomile tea. What should the nurse respond to the client after learning of the new symptoms?

A) "I wouldn't worry about it, wait to see what happens."
B) "Chamomile is an herb that helps to promote sleep and relaxation."
C) "Chamomile is an all-natural product and should not cause any adverse symptoms."
D) "People who are allergic to ragweed can have symptoms when using chamomile tea."

Question 16

A client is prescribed anticoagulant medication for an acute health problem. For which reason should the nurse assess the client's use of dietary supplements?

A) Enhance bone health
B) Explain the potential of weight gain
C) Identify the development of muscle cramps
D) Prevent the development of excessive bleeding

Question 17

A client with a history of allergies to environmental allergens wants to start taking echinacea. For which allergy should the nurse counsel the client to avoid taking this dietary supplement?

A) Dust
B) Ragweed
C) Cat dander
D) Strawberries