The patient asks the nurse, Is it safe to take over-the-counter ...

[littleanan]

The patient asks the nurse, Is it safe to take over-the-counter (OTC) medications with prescription medications? What is the nurse's best response? (Select all that apply.)
 
  A) OTC medications can interact with prescription medications.
  B) It is important to tell your doctor all medications you take, including OTC.
  C) OTC medications could mask or hide signs and symptoms of a disease.
  D) You should avoid taking any OTC medication when taking prescription drugs.
  E) Taking OTC medications can make your prescription medication more effective.

Question 2

A nurse is working with a patient who is taking an adrenergic blocking agent. While assessing the patient's medication history, the nurse discovers that the patient takes several alternative therapies.
 
  What herb is the nurse concerned may interact with the adrenergic blocking agent and affect the patient's blood glucose level? A) Ginseng
  B) Nightshade
  C) Di huang
  D) Saw Palmetto

[snackralk]

Answer to Question 1

A, B, C
Feedback:
OTC medications can interact with prescription medications or other OTC so it is always important to consult your pharmacist and provider for advice. To provide the most accurate instruction, the health care provider must know all medications taken including dietary supplements, OTC, and prescription. OTC medications could mask or hide symptoms of a disease so it is always important to consult a physician if symptoms persist. OTC medications are not prohibited when taking prescription drugs as long as no drug interaction occurs. How an OTC will impact a prescription medication varies depending on the medications involved, so it is incorrect to say it will make the prescription drug more effective.

Answer to Question 2

C
Feedback:
Di huang is an alternative therapy that can lower blood glucose when used in combination with adrenergic blocking agents. Ginseng increases antihypertensive effects; nightshade slows the heart rate; and saw palmetto increases the risk of urinary tract complications when used in combination with adrenergic blocking agents.

[littleanan]

Thank you!

[snackralk]

Always glad to help...