A nurse is reinforcing teaching about vancomycin with a client who has an infection. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. The herbal product must contain only one active ingredient:

This statement is not a legal requirement contained in DSHEA. Many dietary supplements contain multiple active ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and other substances. DSHEA does not mandate that dietary supplements contain only one active ingredient.

B. Effectiveness must be demonstrated by the manufacturer:

DSHEA does not require manufacturers to demonstrate the effectiveness of dietary supplements before marketing. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, which must undergo premarket approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to demonstrate safety and efficacy, dietary supplements do not need to prove effectiveness to be marketed. Instead, manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their products and making truthful claims on product labels.

C. Dietary supplements must state that the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease:

This statement accurately reflects a legal requirement contained in DSHEA. Under DSHEA, dietary supplement labels must include a disclaimer stating that the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This disclaimer helps to clarify that dietary supplements are intended to support general health and well-being rather than to treat specific diseases or medical conditions.

D. Dietary supplements must be tested for safety prior to marketing:

While DSHEA requires manufacturers to ensure the safety of their dietary supplements, it does not mandate standardized premarket testing for safety by regulatory authorities. Instead, manufacturers are responsible for conducting safety assessments and ensuring that their products are safe for consumers. The FDA may take action against manufacturers if a product is found to be unsafe or if it violates regulatory requirements, but premarket testing is not a specific legal requirement under DSHEA.

A. “It’s fine for me to become pregnant while taking this medication.”

This statement is incorrect. Tetracycline is known to have teratogenic effects, meaning it can harm the developing fetus if taken during pregnancy. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception while taking tetracycline and avoid becoming pregnant during treatment.

B. “I will need to postpone my vacation at the beach until I finish this medication."

This statement demonstrates an understanding of the discharge instructions. Tetracycline can increase the risk of sunburn and photosensitivity reactions. Therefore, it's advisable for the client to avoid prolonged sun exposure, particularly during peak sunlight hours, and to use sun protection measures such as wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and avoiding tanning beds or sunlamps. Postponing a vacation at the beach until after finishing the medication is a prudent precaution to minimize the risk of sun-related side effects.

C. “I am so glad to be leaving today because I have an appointment at the tanning salon."

This statement is incorrect. Tetracycline can increase the risk of sunburn and photosensitivity reactions. Visiting a tanning salon while taking tetracycline can further increase the risk of skin damage and should be avoided.

D. "I will stop taking this medication as soon as I feel better.”

This statement is incorrect. It's important for the client to complete the full course of tetracycline as prescribed by their healthcare provider, even if they start to feel better before finishing the medication. Stopping the medication prematurely can lead to incomplete treatment and potential recurrence of the infection.