A patient tells the nurse, I take herbal products like melatonin ...

[panfilo]

A patient tells the nurse, I take herbal products like melatonin and valerian to help sleep. Which response will the nurse make to the patient?
 
  a. My aunt uses them, and they help her a lot.
  b. Studies show they are ineffective as sleep aids.
  c. They can cause serious side effects and should be avoided.
  d. Be aware that these products are uncontrolled, so preparations vary.

Question 2

An adult patient diagnosed with insomnia is prescribed the antihistamine, diphenhydra-mine. Which side effects does the nurse educate the patient about? Select all that apply
 
  a. Urinary retention
  b. Blurred vision
  c. Rhinorrhea
  d. Dry mouth
  e. Diarrhea

[swimkari]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Herbal products (e.g., melatonin, valerian) are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Ad-ministration, and preparation concentrations may vary. It is not appropriate to give advice based on personal anecdote. There has not been systematic evaluation of the products, so there is no proof to support statements regarding effectiveness or severity of side effects.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, B, D
Such drugs as Sominex and Unisom contain diphenhydramine, which is an antihistamine that has both sedative and anticholinergic effects (e.g., dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, nasal congestion, urinary retention) and prescribed for insomnia. Rhinorrhea and diarrhea are not side effects of the anticholinergics.

[panfilo]

Excellent

[kishoreddi]

TYSM