A nurse is teaching a group of clients about St. John's wort.
Which of the following pieces of information should the nurse include in the teaching?
"St. John's wort can be used to treat severe depression."
"St. John's wort can lower prostate-specific antigen levels."
"St. John's wort increases estrogen levels in the body."
"St. John's wort can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.".
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice d. “St. John’s wort can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.”
Choice A rationale:
St. John’s wort is commonly used to treat mild to moderate depression. It has been shown to be effective in alleviating symptoms of depression, likely due to its impact on neurotransmitters like serotonin.
Choice B rationale:
There is no evidence to suggest that St. John’s wort can lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. PSA levels are typically monitored for prostate health, and St. John’s wort does not have an impact on these levels.
Choice C rationale:
St. John’s wort does not increase estrogen levels in the body. It primarily affects neurotransmitters and has no known effect on hormone levels.
Choice D rationale:
St. John’s wort can indeed reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. It induces certain liver enzymes that can increase the metabolism of contraceptive hormones, thereby reducing their effectiveness and increasing the risk of unintended pregnancy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: While a heart rate of 52/min is lower than the normal range (60-100/min), it’s not uncommon in individuals with anorexia nervosa due to the body’s adaptation to conserve energy.
However, it’s not the most critical vital sign to address first in this scenario.
Choice B rationale: A respiratory rate of 26/min is slightly elevated (normal range is 12-20/min), possibly due to anxiety or distress.
However, it’s not the most immediate concern compared to other vital signs.
Choice C rationale: The client’s blood pressure is 84/50 mm Hg, which is significantly lower than the normal range (90/60 to 120/80 mm Hg). This could indicate hypotension, which can lead to dizziness, fainting, and inadequate blood flow to organs.
Hypotension is a common complication of anorexia nervosa due to decreased blood volume and weakened heart muscle.
Therefore, it should be addressed first.
Choice D rationale: The client’s temperature is 36.1°C (97°F), which is slightly lower than the normal body temperature range (36.5–37.5°C or 97.7–99.5°F). Hypothermia is a common complication in individuals with anorexia nervosa due to loss of body fat, which provides insulation.
However, it’s not the most immediate concern in this scenario.
In conclusion, the nurse should first address the client’s blood pressure due to the potential risks associated with hypotension.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Feeling too tired to attend a group meeting does not necessarily indicate anxiety. It could be due to various reasons such as lack of sleep, side effects of medication, or lack of motivation, which are not indications for administering lorazepam.
Choice B rationale: Seeing “purple bugs crawling on the wall” is a hallucination, which is a symptom of schizophrenia, not anxiety. Lorazepam is not typically used as the first-line treatment for hallucinations.
Choice C rationale: Believing that he is a government agent is a delusion, which is a symptom of schizophrenia. Lorazepam is not typically used as the first-line treatment for delusions.
Choice D rationale: “My heart is pounding out of my chest” is a common symptom of anxiety. It indicates that the client might be experiencing physiological symptoms of anxiety such as increased heart rate and palpitations. In this case, administering lorazepam, which is an anxiolytic medication, would be appropriate.
In conclusion, the nurse should consider administering lorazepam when the client states, “My heart is pounding out of my chest.”
Lorazepam is a medication belonging to the benzodiazepine class, commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia. It works by slowing down the activity in the brain and nervous system, producing a calming effect.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic mental health condition characterized by excessive worry and anxiety that persists for at least 6 months, interfering with daily life.
Important Considerations:
Lorazepam is a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and dependence.
It should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, who can assess the individual's needs and potential risks.
Self-treating with lorazepam is dangerous and can lead to serious consequences.
If you have concerns about anxiety or are considering using lorazepam, please consult a licensed physician or mental health professional for proper diagnosis and treatment guidance.
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