A nurse is caring for a client who is taking sertraline and reports desire to begin taking supplements. Which of the following supplements should the nurse advise the client to avoid?
St. John's Wort
Coenzyme Q10
Black cohosh
Ginger root
The Correct Answer is A
A. Correct Answer: St. John's Wort
Explanation: The nurse should advise the client to avoid taking St. John's Wort. St. John's Wort is an herbal supplement commonly used to treat depression and anxiety. However, it can have significant interactions with various medications, including sertraline. Sertraline is an antidepressant that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. St. John's Wort can increase serotonin levels in the brain, and when combined with medications that also affect serotonin levels (such as sertraline), it can lead to a potentially dangerous condition known as serotonin syndrome. Therefore, it's important to avoid St. John's Wort while taking sertraline to prevent adverse effects and interactions.
B. Incorrect Explanation: Coenzyme Q10
Explanation: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring antioxidant that plays a role in energy production within cells. While CoQ10 is generally considered safe, it does not have known interactions with sertraline. Therefore, the nurse would not necessarily advise the client to avoid CoQ10 solely based on its potential interaction with sertraline.
C. Incorrect Explanation: Black Cohosh
Explanation: Black cohosh is an herbal supplement often used to manage symptoms of menopause. It is not typically known to have significant interactions with sertraline. However, it's important for the client to discuss any supplements with their healthcare provider before starting them, especially when taking prescribed medications. The nurse might not necessarily advise the client to avoid black cohosh unless there are specific concerns based on the client's medical history.
D. Incorrect Explanation: Ginger Root
Explanation: Ginger root is a commonly used spice and herbal remedy. It does not have known interactions with sertraline and is generally considered safe for most people. However, as with any supplement, it's a good practice to consult with a healthcare provider before starting it, especially when taking prescribed medications like sertraline. The nurse would not necessarily advise the client to avoid ginger root without specific reasons related to the client's health.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Warmer skin:
Correct Answer: This is an expected effect after taking methimazole for 2 months.
Explanation: Hyperthyroidism, including Graves' disease, can lead to an overactive metabolism, which can cause the person to feel unusually warm. Methimazole helps reduce the production of thyroid hormones, which can lead to a decrease in the metabolic rate and result in the client feeling less warm.
B. Increased sleeping:
Correct Explanation: This is an expected effect after taking methimazole for 2 months.
Explanation: Hyperthyroidism can cause insomnia or difficulty sleeping due to the increased metabolic rate and heightened levels of thyroid hormones. As methimazole helps normalize thyroid hormone levels, improved sleep patterns can be observed in clients with Graves' disease.
C. Increase in pulse rate:
Incorrect Explanation: An increase in pulse rate is not the expected effect after taking methimazole for 2 months.
Explanation: Hyperthyroidism can lead to an elevated resting heart rate due to increased thyroid hormone levels stimulating the cardiovascular system. Methimazole is used to help bring thyroid hormone levels back to normal, which should lead to a reduction in the pulse rate over time.
D. Weight loss:
Correct Explanation: This is an expected effect after taking methimazole for 2 months.
Explanation: Weight loss is a common symptom of hyperthyroidism due to the increased metabolic rate. Methimazole helps lower thyroid hormone levels, which can result in a decreased metabolic rate and gradual weight stabilization.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "I should stay upright for at least 15 minutes after taking this medication.": This advice is usually given with medications like bisphosphonates to prevent esophageal irritation. It is not necessary for ferrous gluconate.
B. "I should take this medication with 8 ounces of milk.": Iron supplements should not be taken with milk or other dairy products because they can interfere with iron absorption.
C. "I should take an antacid with this medication to prevent stomach upset.": Antacids can also interfere with iron absorption and should be taken separately from iron supplements.
D. "I should notify my provider if my stools turn black."
Ferrous gluconate is an iron supplement used to treat iron deficiency anemia. One common side effect of iron supplementation is the darkening of stools, often to a black color. This is not harmful but is important for the client to be aware of. It is due to the reaction of iron with the acids and enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract.
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