C HAPTER 47: H ERBAL AND D IETARY
S UPPLEMENT T HERAPY
Willihnganz: Clayton’s Basic Pharmacology for Nurses, 19th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which therapeutic effect applies to the use of valerian?
a. Lower high-densit y lipoproteins (HDLs) and raise low -densit y
lipoprotein (LDLs).
b. Prevent infection.
c. Promote relaxation and sleep.
d. Elevate mood.
ANS: C
Valerian has been used for more than 1000 years as a mild tranquilizer.
Valerian is used for restlessness and may promote sleep. Valerian does not
affect cholesterol levels, prevent infection, or affect mood.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 801 OBJ: 1
NAT: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Psychological Integrit y
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Planning
CON: Clinical Judgment | Health Promotion | Sleep
2. Which herb is used to stimulate the innate immune system?
a. Aloe
b. Echinacea
c. Chamomile
, d. Ginger
ANS: B
Echinacea is a nonspecific stimulator of the innate (nonspecific) immune
s ystem. It stimulates phagocytosis and effector cell activit y. There is an
increased release of tumor necrosis factors and interferons from macrophages
and T l ymphocytes, whic h increases the body‘s resistance to bacterial and
viral infection. It may have anti -inflammatory effects by inhibiting
hyaluronidase, a potent inflammatory. Aloe gel has been marketed for topical
use to treat pain, inflammation, and itching and as a heali ng agent for
sunburn, skin ulcers, psoriasis, and frostbite. Chamomile is used as a
digestive aid for bloating and as an antispasmodic and anti -inflammatory in
the GI tract, an antispasmodic for menstrual cramps, an anti -inflammatory for
skin irritation, and a mouthwash for minor mouth irritation or gum infections.
Ginger has been used for centuries to alleviate nausea and vomiting from a
variet y of causes. It is thought to act as an antiemetic by increasing
gastroduodenal motilit y and by blocking serotonin receptors that, when
stimulated, may trigger nausea and vomiting.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge REF: p. 796 OBJ: 1
NAT: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrit y
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
CON: Clinical Judgment | Health Promotion | Immunit y
3. Which prescribed medication would alert the nurse to educate the patient
about using Ginkgo biloba cautiousl y?
a. Antiemetics
b. Anti-inflammatories
c. Anticoagulants
d. Antibiotics
S UPPLEMENT T HERAPY
Willihnganz: Clayton’s Basic Pharmacology for Nurses, 19th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which therapeutic effect applies to the use of valerian?
a. Lower high-densit y lipoproteins (HDLs) and raise low -densit y
lipoprotein (LDLs).
b. Prevent infection.
c. Promote relaxation and sleep.
d. Elevate mood.
ANS: C
Valerian has been used for more than 1000 years as a mild tranquilizer.
Valerian is used for restlessness and may promote sleep. Valerian does not
affect cholesterol levels, prevent infection, or affect mood.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 801 OBJ: 1
NAT: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Psychological Integrit y
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Planning
CON: Clinical Judgment | Health Promotion | Sleep
2. Which herb is used to stimulate the innate immune system?
a. Aloe
b. Echinacea
c. Chamomile
, d. Ginger
ANS: B
Echinacea is a nonspecific stimulator of the innate (nonspecific) immune
s ystem. It stimulates phagocytosis and effector cell activit y. There is an
increased release of tumor necrosis factors and interferons from macrophages
and T l ymphocytes, whic h increases the body‘s resistance to bacterial and
viral infection. It may have anti -inflammatory effects by inhibiting
hyaluronidase, a potent inflammatory. Aloe gel has been marketed for topical
use to treat pain, inflammation, and itching and as a heali ng agent for
sunburn, skin ulcers, psoriasis, and frostbite. Chamomile is used as a
digestive aid for bloating and as an antispasmodic and anti -inflammatory in
the GI tract, an antispasmodic for menstrual cramps, an anti -inflammatory for
skin irritation, and a mouthwash for minor mouth irritation or gum infections.
Ginger has been used for centuries to alleviate nausea and vomiting from a
variet y of causes. It is thought to act as an antiemetic by increasing
gastroduodenal motilit y and by blocking serotonin receptors that, when
stimulated, may trigger nausea and vomiting.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge REF: p. 796 OBJ: 1
NAT: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrit y
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
CON: Clinical Judgment | Health Promotion | Immunit y
3. Which prescribed medication would alert the nurse to educate the patient
about using Ginkgo biloba cautiousl y?
a. Antiemetics
b. Anti-inflammatories
c. Anticoagulants
d. Antibiotics
