If a patient opts for an herbal supplement over a prescribed medication, what would be the nurse’s best response?
“Herbal supplements are derived from plant materials, hence they are organic and non-toxic.”
“Herbal supplements are generally less costly than prescription medications.”
“Herbal supplements are not subject to the same stringent quality standards as prescription medications.”
“The convenience of herbal supplements is that they can be procured without a prescription.”
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Inaccurate statement: While herbal supplements are derived from plant materials, this does not inherently guarantee their safety or non-toxicity. Some plants contain potent compounds that can have adverse effects, even in small doses.
Lack of regulation: Herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way as prescription medications. This means that there is no guarantee of their purity, potency, or consistency.
Potential for interactions: Herbal supplements can interact with prescription medications, potentially leading to harmful side effects.
Choice B rationale:
Cost-related issue: The cost of herbal supplements can vary widely. While some may be less expensive than prescription medications, others can be quite costly.
Misleading focus: Emphasizing cost as a primary factor could lead patients to prioritize affordability over safety and effectiveness.
Choice C rationale:
Addresses quality concerns: This response directly addresses the lack of stringent quality standards for herbal supplements, highlighting a significant safety concern.
Encourages informed decision-making: This response encourages patients to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of herbal supplements, prompting them to seek reliable information and discuss their choices with healthcare providers.
Choice D rationale:
Convenience vs. safety: While the convenience of herbal supplements may be appealing, this response does not address the potential safety concerns associated with their use.
Potential for misuse: Highlighting convenience could lead to patients using herbal supplements inappropriately or without necessary guidance from healthcare professionals.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Debridement refers to the removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue to promote healing. It is not a term used to describe skin breakdown caused by moisture.
Choice B rationale:
Evisceration is the protrusion of internal organs through a wound or surgical incision. It is not relevant to the condition of perineal skin breakdown due to wetness.
Choice D rationale:
Dehiscence is the separation of a surgical wound. It is not applicable in this case, as there is no mention of a surgical wound.
Choice C rationale:
Maceration is a term used to describe skin that has become softened and broken down due to prolonged exposure to moisture. This is the most accurate term to describe the condition of perineal skin breakdown after sitting in wet underclothes for many hours.
Key features of maceration:
Skin softening: The skin becomes white and wrinkled, resembling a prune.
Epidermal loss: The outer layer of skin (epidermis) may slough off, leaving the underlying tissue exposed. Redness: The affected area may become red and inflamed.
Pain or tenderness: The area may be painful or tender to the touch.
Increased risk of infection: Macerated skin is more susceptible to infection due to the breakdown of the skin barrier. Causes of maceration:
Prolonged exposure to moisture: This can include sweat, urine, feces, wound drainage, or excessive bathing. Friction: Rubbing or chafing of the skin can also contribute to maceration.
Impaired circulation: Poor blood flow to the area can make it more vulnerable to maceration. Prevention of maceration:
Keep skin clean and dry: This is the most important step in preventing maceration. Change wet or soiled clothing or dressings promptly.
Apply barrier creams or ointments: These can help to protect the skin from moisture.
Use incontinence products: These can help to keep the skin dry if the patient is incontinent. Reposition the patient frequently: This helps to reduce pressure and friction on the skin.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Indurated describes tissue that is hardened and thickened, typically due to inflammation or fibrosis. While a decubitus ulcer with thick necrotic tissue may feel firm to the touch, induration does not accurately capture the extent of tissue damage and depth of the wound.
Indurated tissue often feels leathery or stiff, while necrotic tissue can be more varied in texture, ranging from dry and crusty to soft and sloughy.
Additionally, induration can occur in wounds that are not full-thickness ulcers, such as pressure injuries that have not yet progressed to the point of tissue loss.
Choice B rationale:
Fluctuant describes a fluid-filled cavity beneath the skin. While a decubitus ulcer with thick necrotic tissue may have some underlying fluid, it would not typically be described as fluctuant.
Fluctuance is more characteristic of abscesses or other fluid collections that have a distinct, palpable pocket of fluid.
The presence of thick necrotic tissue in a decubitus ulcer can obscure the presence of any underlying fluid, making it difficult to assess for fluctuance.
Choice D rationale:
Macerated describes skin that is softened and broken down due to prolonged exposure to moisture. While maceration can occur in the surrounding skin of a decubitus ulcer, it does not accurately describe the ulcer itself.
Maceration is typically seen in areas where skin folds rub together, such as the groin or armpits, and is often associated with incontinence or excessive sweating.
The presence of thick necrotic tissue in a decubitus ulcer indicates a more advanced stage of tissue damage that is not simply due to moisture exposure.
Choice C rationale:
Unstageable is the most accurate term to describe a decubitus ulcer with thick necrotic tissue because it indicates that the extent of tissue damage cannot be fully assessed.
Thick necrotic tissue obscures the base of the wound and the surrounding tissue, making it impossible to determine the depth of the ulcer or the extent of undermining.
This lack of visibility prevents accurate staging of the ulcer using the traditional pressure ulcer staging system, which categorizes ulcers based on their depth and extent of tissue involvement.
Therefore, unstageable is the most appropriate term to describe a decubitus ulcer with thick necrotic tissue.
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