Question

1. Discuss the pros and cons of allowing a patient to use herbal products for self-treatment of such problems as premenstrual syndrome (black cohosh), especially if the woman is also using estrogen or progestin hormone replacement therapy. What if the person also has hypertension?

2. What recommendations should a nurse make to an immunocompromised patient who asks you about taking echinacea as an anti-inflammatory “for my arthritis.”

3. Research the law in your state. What does it say about the use of ephedrine?

4. What health teaching would need to be done for a patient taking NSAIDs and feverfew concurrently?

5. Discuss herbal products listed in this chapter that interact with anticoagulants.

Answer 1

1. Black cohosh

Pros :- relieve symptoms of menopause; treat menstrual irregularities and premenstrual syndrome; induce labor

Cons :- headaches, gastric complaints, heaviness in the legs, weight problems; safety unknown for pregnant woman or those with breast cancer

2. Echinacea

USE: treat or prevent colds, flu, and other infections; believed to stimulate the immune system

SIDE EFFECTS AND CAUTIONS: Most studies indicate it does not appear to prevent colds or other infections; some people experience allergic reactions, including rashes, increased asthma, and anaphylaxis; gastrointestinal side (GI) effect. Based upon the side effects and caution the patient should take the medicine only under physicians observation .

3. The law which states about the use of ephedrine is Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act (CMEA)

It's a federal law that sets daily and monthly limits on OTC sale of pseudoephedrine and ephedrine.

4. Health teaching for a patient taking NSAIDS and fever concurrently :-

- beware for the risk of bleeding

- avoid alcohol

- take with food

- report aide effects

- don't take it if you have fever due to unknown cause as it may cause bleeding

- don't take aspirin at the convalescence period of infection as it may cause reye syndrome