Question 1

A woman reports using aloe vera to treat constipation.Which response by the nurse is correct?

Accepted Answer

A)  "Aloe vera is for external use only."
B)  "Please tell me if you are taking cardiac medications or diuretics."
C)  "Side effects of aloe vera are common."
D)  "You may experience a decrease in menstrual flow while taking aloe vera." B

Question 2

The spouse of a patient who is an alcoholic asks the nurse about dietary supplements that may help prevent liver disease.Which herb will the nurse suggest the patient discuss with a provider who has prescriptive authority?

Accepted Answer

A)  Ginkgo biloba
B)  Kava
C)  Milk thistle
D)  Sage C

Question 3

A man is diagnosed with benign prostatic hypertrophy and wants to avoid surgery.He asks the nurse about using saw palmetto.What information will the nurse include when teaching this patient about this herb?

Accepted Answer

A)  "Gastric disturbances are common while using this herb."
B)  "Saw palmetto may help treat erectile dysfunction (E
D)   as well."
C)  "Use saw palmetto for up to 30 days and stop taking it when effects occur."
D)  "You should stop taking the herb 1 to 2 weeks prior to prostate-specific antigen (PS
A)   testing." D

Question 4

A patient asks the nurse about an herbal supplement and reports that it has a USP seal of approval.The nurse explains that this indicates

Accepted Answer

A)  identity,potency,purity,and labeling accuracy.
B)  premarket testing for safety and efficacy.
C)  structure and function claims may be made.
D)  the supplement's ability to prevent and treat disease.

Question 5

A pregnant woman tells the nurse that she is taking ginger to reduce morning sickness.What will the nurse tell this patient?

Accepted Answer

A)  "Ginger can cause fetal birth defects."
B)  "Ginger is not safe during pregnancy."
C)  "Ginger can cause abortion in low doses."
D)  "Ginger may be taken in low doses for up to 4 days."

Question 6

A family member expresses concern that a patient is taking several herbal remedies and worries that they may be unsafe.The nurse will respond by saying that herbs

Accepted Answer

A)  are classified as medications by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994.
B)  are regulated by the government and are determined to be safe.
C)  aren't usually effective but are generally harmless.
D)  should be discussed with the patient's provider in conjunction with other medications.

Question 7

Which information can consumers expect to be included in labeling of herbal products?

Accepted Answer

A)  Actions and uses
B)  Interactions and precautions
C)  Scientific name of the product
D)  Safety and efficacy study results

Question 8

A patient who has HIV asks the nurse about taking echinacea to improve immune function.What will the nurse tell this patient?

Accepted Answer

A)  "The root extract is useful for treating upper respiratory and urinary tract infections."
B)  "This use is currently being studied in patients who have HIV."
C)  "Use it as needed when antibiotics fail to treat your infections."
D)  "You may use it safely up to 8 weeks at a time as a preventive medication."

Question 9

A patient reports taking St.John's wort to treat symptoms of depression and asks the nurse how to use this product safely and effectively.Which response by the nurse is correct?

Accepted Answer

A)  "Apply sunscreen while taking St. John's wort."
B)  "It is safe to take St. John's wort with prescription antidepressants."
C)  "St.John's wort does not affect nutrition."
D)  "You should take St.John's wort as needed when symptoms occur."

Question 10

The nurse provides counseling to a patient who reports taking kava to treat anxiety-related symptoms.Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?

Accepted Answer

A)  "I may take kava with lorazepam (Ativan) ."
B)  "I may develop a serious skin disorder while taking kava."
C)  "I should avoid alcohol while taking kava."
D)  "I should avoid St.John's wort and valerian while taking kava."

Question 11

The nurse is providing preoperative education to a patient who will have surgery in several weeks.The patient denies taking anticoagulant medications but reports using herbal supplements.Which herb would cause the nurse to be concerned?

Accepted Answer

A)  Echinacea
B)  Ginkgo biloba
C)  Kava
D)  Sage

Question 12

Which herbal remedies are often used for gastrointestinal disorders? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)  Chamomile
B)  Cranberry
C)  Dong quai
D)  Echinacea
E)   GingerF)  Peppermint

Question 13

A woman who is experiencing hot flashes associated with menopause asks the nurse about using black cohosh.Which response by the nurse is correct?

Accepted Answer

A)  "Black cohosh may be used long term in place of hormone replacement therapy."
B)  "Black cohosh may contribute to iron toxicity."
C)  "Black cohosh may interact with antihypertensive drugs."
D)  "Black cohosh treats menopausal symptoms without altering hormone levels."

Question 14

A patient is taking valerian,or "herbal valium," to induce sleep.What will the nurse teach this patient about this herb?

Accepted Answer

A)  Habituation and addiction are likely.
B)  Hangover effects are common with usual doses.
C)  Liver function tests must be monitored with long-term use.
D)  Valerian has a high risk for overdose.

Question 15

The nurse is counseling a female patient who reports taking feverfew to treat premenstrual syndrome and migraines.Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?

Accepted Answer

A)  "I should experience immediate effects with this herb."
B)  "I should not take feverfew if I get pregnant."
C)  "I should take feverfew with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)  to enhance its effects."
D)  "If I develop gastrointestinal (GI)  upset,I should stop taking feverfew immediately."

Question 16

A patient asks the nurse about the safety of herbal products in general.Which response by the nurse is correct?

Accepted Answer

A)  "Consumers should research products and their manufacturers before taking."
B)  "Manufacturers are required to list interactions of herbs with drugs and food."
C)  "Products manufactured for drug and grocery store chains are safe."
D)  "Toxicological analysis is required of all commercial herbal products."

Exam 6: Herbal Therapies