The spouse of a patient who is an alcoholic asks the nurse about ...

[Mr. Wonderful]

The spouse of a patient who is an alcoholic asks the nurse about dietary supplements that may help prevent liver disease. Which herb will the nurse suggest the patient discuss with a provider who has prescriptive authority?
 
  a. Ginkgo biloba
  b. Kava
  c. Milk thistle
  d. Sage

Question 2

A man is diagnosed with benign prostatic hypertrophy and wants to avoid surgery. He asks the nurse about using saw palmetto. What information will the nurse include when teaching this patient about this herb?
 
  a. Gastric disturbances are common while using this herb.
  b. Saw palmetto may help treat erectile dysfunction (ED) as well.
  c. Use saw palmetto for up to 30 days and stop taking it when effects occur.
  d. You should stop taking the herb 1 to 2 weeks prior to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing.

[guyanai]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Milk thistle can prevent damage to liver cells and stimulates regeneration of liver cells.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Saw palmetto can cause a false-negative test result for PSA, so patients should stop taking it 1 to 2 weeks prior to this test. GI effects are rare. It is not effective in treating ED. Effects usually don't occur until 30 days, and it may be taken long term.