During a clinic appointment, a client prescribed medication for ...

[rl]

During a clinic appointment, a client prescribed medication for glaucoma reports vision problems. When taking a medication history, which of the following herbal preparations should the nurse identify as being problematic for this client?
 
  1. Ginseng
  2. Echinacea
  3. Valerian
  4. St. John's wort

Question 2

A client diagnosed with hypertension has had well-controlled follow-up of her blood pressure for the past 6 months. At today's clinic appointment, the client's blood pressure is 198/102.
 
  The client insists she has been taking her prescribed antihypertensive medication, but also added an herbal tablet because she heard it was supposed to be good for her. Of the following, which is most likely interfering with the client's antihypertensive?
  1. Valerian
  2. Milk thistle
  3. Ginseng
  4. Garlic

[amynguyen1221]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Ginseng may interact with caffeine and cause irritability and may also decrease the effectiveness of glaucoma medication.
Rationale 2: Echinacea may reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressants but does not appear to affect glaucoma medication.
Rationale 3: Valerian may increase the sedative effects of antianxiety medication but does not appear to affect glaucoma medication.
Rationale 4: St. John's wort may potentiate antidepressant medications, causing severe agitation, nausea, confusion, and possible cardiac problems.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: Valerian may increase the sedative effects of antianxiety medication but does not appear to affect antihypertensive medication.
Rationale 2: Milk thistle reduces the effectiveness of oral contraceptives but does not appear to affect antihypertensive medication .
Rationale 3: Ginseng may decrease the effectiveness of glaucoma medications but does not appear to affect antihypertensive medication.
Rationale 4: Garlic may cause a need for an increased dose of antihypertensives.