It is important for the nurse to assess for the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) because:
Most CAM therapies are totally ineffective
Patient must be warned the most CAM therapies for dangerous
Additional treatment may not be needed
CAM therapies could interact with prescription and OTC medications
The Correct Answer is D
A. Most CAM therapies are not totally ineffective: While some CAM therapies may lack strong scientific evidence, it's not accurate to say they are all ineffective. Some CAM therapies may have benefits, but it's important to be aware of them to avoid interactions.
B. Not all CAM therapies are dangerous: Many CAM therapies are generally safe. However, some can interact with medications or have unforeseen side effects, so assessing use is crucial.
C. Additional treatment may still be needed: Even if a patient uses CAM, they might still require conventional medical treatment. Assessing CAM use helps ensure a complete picture of the patient's healthcare regimen.
D. CAM therapies could interact with prescription and OTC medications. Correct. The primary reason to assess CAM use is to identify potential interactions with medications, potentially improving patient safety and treatment effectiveness.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Increase the risk for bleeding: Herbal supplements like green tea, ginkgo, feverfew, garlic, and ginger can potentiate the effects of warfarin by enhancing its anticoagulant properties. This increases the risk of bleeding, as warfarin itself is a blood thinner designed to prevent clot formation. These herbs can further inhibit platelet aggregation or enhance anticoagulation, leading to a higher risk of bleeding complications.
B. Cause severe headache: While some herbal supplements can cause headaches as a side effect, this is not the primary concern when combined with warfarin. The interaction between these herbs and warfarin does not commonly result in severe headaches. The primary issue is the increased risk of bleeding.
C. Decrease the effects of the warfarin (Coumadin): These particular herbal supplements do not generally decrease the effects of warfarin. In fact, they are more likely to increase its anticoagulant effects. Some other substances might interfere with warfarin's efficacy, but the herbs listed are known to enhance its bleeding risk.
D. Cause severe hypotension: Severe hypotension is not a common result of combining these herbal supplements with warfarin. The primary interaction is related to the blood-thinning effects, not to blood pressure regulation. Herbal supplements that might affect blood pressure are not typically those that interact significantly with warfarin in this manner.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
- White Blood Cell Count (WBC): WBCs are part of the immune system and play a role in fighting infections. However, they are not directly involved in hemostasis or clot formation. WBCs do not adhere to the vessel wall during hemostasis.
- Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT): aPTT measures the time it takes for blood to clot. It is primarily used to monitor heparin therapy, not warfarin. aPTT is not specific for warfarin monitoring.
- Prothrombin Time (PT): PT measures how quickly blood clots. It is used to monitor warfarin therapy and assess clotting factors. PT is essential for monitoring warfarin effectiveness.
- Platelet Count: Platelets are crucial for clot formation. Platelet count helps assess platelet function. Platelets play a direct role in hemostasis.
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