Chapter 8 (4)

Question 1

A good history of herb and supplement use is critical before prescribing because approximately _____ patients in the United States are using herbal products.

Answer 1

38

Question 2

A potential harmful effect on patients who take some herbal medication is:

Answer 2

Lead poisoning

Question 3

A thorough understanding of herbs is critical to patient safety. An example is the use of cinnamon to treat type II diabetes. It is important the patient uses Ceylon cinnamon, as the commercially available cassia cinnamon contains:

Answer 3

Coumarin, which can cause liver and kidney damage

Question 4

Traditional Chinese medicine utilizes yin (cooling) versus yang (warming) in assessing and treating disease. Menopause is considered a time of imbalance, therefore the Chinese herbalist would prescribe:

Answer 4

Herbs that are yin in nature

Question 5

According to traditional Chinese medicine, if a person who has a fever is given a herb that is yang in nature, such as golden seal, the patient’s illness will:

Answer 5

Get worse

Question 6

In Ayurvedic medicine, treatment is based on the patient’s dominant dosha, which is referred to as the person’s:

Answer 6

Prakriti

Question 7

Herbs and supplements are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Answer 7

False

Question 8

When melatonin is used to induce sleep, the recommendation is that the patient:

Answer 8

Not take melatonin more than three nights a week

Question 9

Valerian tea causes relaxation and can be used to help a patient fall asleep. Overdosage of valerian (more than 2.5 gm/dose) may lead to:

Answer 9

Cardiac disturbances

Question 10

The standard dosage of St John’s wort for the treatment of mild depression is:

Answer 10

300 mg three times a day

Question 11

Patients need to be instructed regarding the drug interactions with St John’s wort, including:

Answer 11

All of the above

Question 12

Ginseng, which is taken to assist with memory, may potentiate:

Answer 12

Insulin

Question 13

Licorice root is a common treatment for dyspepsia. Drug interactions with licorice include:

Answer 13

Antihypertensives, diuretics, and digoxin

Question 14

Patients should be warned about the overuse of topical wintergreen oil to treat muscle strains, as overapplication can lead to:

Answer 14

Salicylates poisoning

Question 15

The role of the NP in the use of herbal medication is to:

Answer 15

Educate patients and guide them to appropriate sources of care