chapter 7: Over-the-Counter Drugs and Herbal and Dietary Supplements Flashcards
1
Q
Use of OTC Drugs: Potential Hazards
A
- May postpone effective treatment of more chronic disease states
- May delay treatment of serious or life-threatening disorders
- May relieve symptoms of a disorder but not the cause
- Toxicity
- Interactions with current prescription medications may occur
- Abuse
2
Q
Herbal & Dietary Supplements
A
- Dietary supplement—orally administered alternative medicines, including herbal supplements
- Herbs—plant components, including bark, berries, roots, leaves, gums, seeds, stems, and flowers, used for their medicinal qualities
- Herbal medicine—using herbs to heal
3
Q
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
A
- Complementary medicine (integrative medicine): simultaneous use of both traditional and alternative medicine
- NCCAM classifies complementary and alternative medicine.
- Alternative medical systems
- Mind–body interventions
- Biologically based therapies
- Manipulative and body-based methods
- Energy therapies
4
Q
Consumer Use of Herbs
A
- therapeutic agents for treatment and cure of diseases
- prophylactic agents for long term prevention of disease
- proactive agents to maintain health and wellness and “boost” one’s immune system
5
Q
Conditions Treated with Herbal Products
A
- Anxiety
- Colds and cough
- Depression
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Ulcers
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Arthritis
- Constipation
- Fever
- Infection
- Stress
- Weakness
6
Q
Commonly Used Herbal Products
A
- Aloe
- Feverfew
- Gingko
- Goldenseal
- St. John’s wort
- Valerian
- Kava
- Echinacea
- Garlic
- Ginseng
- Hawthorn
- Saw palmetto
- Cranberry
- Ginger root
7
Q
OTC Nursing Process: Assessment
A
- Obtain thorough medication history, documenting all medications used (prescription, OTC, herbal products, vitamins, minerals, other dietary supplements).
- Assess allergies.
- Assess level of education and understanding.
- Assess for information specific to various products.
- Assess system functions (especially renal, liver, and cardiac).
- Assess for conditions that are contraindications.
- Assess for potential drug–drug and drug–herb interactions.
- Assess lifespan considerations:
- Herbal products may not be safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, infants,
or children.
8
Q
OTC Nursing Process: Human Needs Statement (diagnosis)
A
- Altered GI elimination
- Altered knowledge
- Altered need for sleep
- Altered physical activity
- Altered safety needs
- Altered interchange of gases
- Freedom from pain
- Ineffective health maintenance
- Insomnia
- Risk for injury
- Urinary retention
9
Q
OTC Nursing Process: Planning
A
- Goals and outcomes
- Individualized
- Realistic
- Achievable
10
Q
OTC Nursing Process: Implementation
A
- Patient education is important for patient safety.
- Information about safe use
- Frequency of dosing, dose
- How to take (with food, empty stomach, etc.)
- Strategies to prevent adverse effects, drug interactions, toxicity
- Ensure that patients recognize that manufacturers of herbal products and
dietary supplements are not required to prove safety and effectiveness. - “Natural” does not always mean safe.
11
Q
OTC Nursing Process: Evaluation
A
- Patients need to carefully monitor themselves for therapeutic responses as well as adverse effects.
- Therapeutic responses will vary based on supplemental product used.
