Which of the following are true about herbal medicines?
(Select All That Apply-SATA)Answers:
A – EA Herbal medicines are approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for use as drugs.
B Herbal medicine intake by the client does not need to be assessed by the nurse during the admission assessment.
C Herbal medicines can be contaminated with prescribed medications.
D Herbal medicine regulation is controlled and regulated by the FDA.
E Herbal medicines can have potential interactions with prescribed medications.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answers are:
C – Herbal medicines can be contaminated with prescribed medications.
E – Herbal medicines can have potential interactions with prescribed medications.
Explanation:
Herbal medicines are natural products derived from plants and are often used for their therapeutic properties. However, unlike prescription drugs, herbal medicines are not subject to the same stringent regulations by the FDA, which results in certain risks.
First, herbal medicines are not approved by the FDA for use as drugs unless they undergo the rigorous approval process required for pharmaceutical drugs. This means they are not held to the same standards of safety, efficacy, and manufacturing consistency. As such, answer choice A is incorrect.
Second, when a client uses herbal medicines, it is crucial for the nurse to assess their use during the admission process. Herbal medicines can have adverse effects or interact with prescribed medications, making it important for the healthcare provider to be aware of their use. Therefore, answer B is incorrect.
Herbal medicines can indeed be contaminated with other substances, including prescribed medications, especially if they are not manufactured under controlled conditions. In some cases, contaminants can be present due to improper handling, storage, or production processes. This is why answer C is correct.
The regulation of herbal medicines is not controlled in the same way as pharmaceutical drugs. While the FDA does monitor herbal products for safety and labeling under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), it does not approve them as drugs unless they meet the rigorous standards required for pharmaceuticals. Thus, answer D is incorrect.
Finally, herbal medicines can have interactions with prescribed medications, which can lead to either diminished effects of the medications or increased side effects. Some herbal remedies, like St. John’s Wort, can interfere with the metabolism of certain drugs, while others may enhance or reduce the effectiveness of prescribed treatments. Hence, answer E is correct.