Question 1

A nurse discusses ginger root with a pregnant patient who asks about the risks and benefits of using ginger root to treat morning sickness during pregnancy. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

Accepted Answer

A)   "Ginger root can cause GI disturbance in high doses."
B)   "Ginger root can decrease my risk of bleeding."
C)   "Ginger root is effective in treating morning sickness."
D)   "Ginger root may affect fetal sex hormones." B

Question 2

A nurse is performing a preoperative drug history on a patient who is admitted to the hospital for surgery. To evaluate the risk of hemorrhage, the nurse will ask the patient about antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications as well as which dietary supplement?

Accepted Answer

A)   Coenzyme Q-10
B)   Ginkgo biloba
C)   Ma Huang (ephedra) 
D)   St. John's wort B

Question 3

A nursing student asks a nurse what companies are allowed to put on products which are considered alternative use drugs. Which general statements can be included on the label?

Accepted Answer

A)   Energizes and rejuvenates.
B)   Protects against cancer.
C)   Improves symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
D)   Relieves menopausal hot flashes. A

Question 4

A patient will begin taking drugs for hyperlipidemia. The patient asks about using flaxseed supplements to increase fiber. What will the nurse tell this patient?

Accepted Answer

A)   Not to use defatted flaxseed
B)   That flaxseed helps with the absorption of medications
C)   That flaxseed is not recommended
D)   To take the flaxseed 1 hour before taking the drug

Question 5

Which claim may be made by manufacturers of dietary supplements?

Accepted Answer

A)   "Energizes and rejuvenates."
B)   "Promotes pulmonary health."
C)   "Reduces pain and stiffness from arthritis."
D)   "Reduces stress."
E)   "Relieves hot flashes associated with menopause."

Question 6

A patient will begin taking immunosuppressant drugs for rheumatoid arthritis. The nurse will caution this patient to avoid which dietary supplement?

Accepted Answer

A)   Black cohosh
B)   Echinacea
C)   Feverfew
D)   Glucosamine

Question 7

A patient in her twenties has frequent urinary tract infections, and her prescriber suggests drinking cranberry juice. She asks the nurse how drinking this can help. The nurse will tell her that cranberry juice:

Accepted Answer

A)   acidifies the urine to slow the growth of the bacteria.
B)   helps treat established infections.
C)   prevents bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract wall.
D)   reduces the odor of the urine.

Question 8

A patient admitted to the emergency department with abdominal pain tells the nurse he has been taking kava. Which action is the nurse's priority at this time?

Accepted Answer

A)   Review liver function studies.
B)   Assess breath sounds and respiratory effort.
C)   Monitor cardiovascular status.
D)   Review complete blood count results.

Question 9

The nurse is obtaining a history from a patient who discloses daily use of St. John's wort in addition to prescription drugs. Which effect of this dietary supplement would most concern the nurse?

Accepted Answer

A)   It accelerates the metabolism of some drugs.
B)   It enhances the effects of digoxin.
C)   It counteracts the effects of CNS depressants.
D)   It increases the risk of bleeding.

Question 10

A patient asks a nurse how to know whether dietary supplements are safe. The nurse will tell this patient that:

Accepted Answer

A)   any standards addressing safety merely regulate labeling and manufacturing processes.
B)   manufacturers must provide the FDA with efficacy claims prior to marketing their supplements.
C)   the DSHEA requires labeling that prohibits claims of treatment of specific diseases or conditions.
D)   the FDA must approve dietary supplements prior to marketing them in the United States.

Exam 108: Complementary and Alternative Therapy