Author Question: The nurse is teaching a class about over-the-counter (OTC) medications at a senior citizen center. ... (Read 61 times)

s.tung · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse is teaching a class about over-the-counter (OTC) medications at a senior citizen center. Which statement by a participant indicates the teaching was effective?

1. Over-the-counter medications are safe, as long as we don't take them at the same time as our prescription medications.
2. Over-the-counter medications are safe; otherwise, they would require a prescription.
3. We should not take any over-the-counter medications without first calling our primary health care provider because these medications can interact with other prescriptions or products.
4. We must read all the label directions before taking any over-the-counter medications.

Question 2

The client was taking a prescription medication that is now available over the counter.

The client asks the nurse, Why do some medications become available over the counter and other medications remain prescription drugs? Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?
1. Drugs with the least amount of side effects can become over-the-counter.
2. Drugs that have a high safety margin may be reclassified to over-the-counter.
3. The longer the drug is on the market, the better its chance of going over-the-counter.
4. If the pharmaceutical company pays the FDA a large amount of money, it can have its drug reclassified

jrpg123456 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Some OTC medications can be taken with prescription medications; others cannot.
Rationale 2: Although they have a high margin of safety, OTC medications are not without risks.
Rationale 3: Elderly clients often take multiple medications and should consult with their health care provider before taking any over-the-counter medication or supplement to ensure there are no risks for drug interactions.
Rationale 4: It is important for clients to read all directions on the label, but this will not protect them if there is a contraindication with another medication they are taking; therefore, they must consult their primary health care provider before taking any OTC medications.
Global Rationale: Elderly clients often take multiple medications and should consult with their health care provider before taking any over-the-counter medication or supplement to ensure there are no risks for drug interactions. This statement indicates adequate understanding of the session. Some OTC medications can be taken with prescription medications; others cannot. Although they have a high margin of safety, OTC medications are not without risks. It is important for clients to read all directions on the label, but this will not protect them if there is a contraindication with another medication they are taking; therefore, they must consult their primary health care provider before taking any OTC medications.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: The number of side effects does not determine whether a drug is to be considered for over-the-counter (OTC) classification.
Rationale 2: Drugs that have a high safety margin may be reclassified as OTC drugs.
Rationale 3: The amount of time a drug is on the market does not influence the ability to change to OTC. Many drugs have been available for over 100 years and remain prescription.
Rationale 4: The FDA does not select drugs for OTC status based on fees paid by drug companies.
Global Rationale: Drugs that have a high safety margin may be reclassified as OTC drugs. The number of side effects does not determine whether a drug is to be considered for over-the-counter (OTC) classification. The amount of time a drug is on the market does not influence the ability to change to OTC. Many drugs have been available for over 100 years and remain prescription. The FDA does not select drugs for OTC status based on fees paid by drug companies.