NURS 3100 Exam 1 Practice

Which responses are appropriate when a nurse explains why it is necessary to know the names of all OTC supplements a client takes?

1. Supplements are not considered drugs, but they can cause adverse effects with prescribed drugs

2. The healthcare provider needs to know everything the client is taking

3. The admitting paperwork asks for this information for no specific reason

4. We need to know if the client is having an allergic reaction

The correct answer is: Supplements are not considered drugs, but they can cause adverse effects with prescribed drugs

Correct. Knowing the names of all over-the-counter (OTC) supplements a client takes is necessary because even though supplements are not classified as drugs, they can interact with prescribed medications and potentially cause adverse effects. These interactions can impact the effectiveness of prescribed treatments and may lead to harmful consequences for the client. Therefore, it is essential for healthcare providers to have a comprehensive understanding of all substances their clients are consuming to ensure safe and effective care. Option B is also correct, as healthcare providers do indeed need to be aware of all substances a client is taking to provide the best possible care. Option C is incorrect as asking for OTC supplement information is not a random request and has significance for the client's care. Option D is not the main reason for knowing all OTC supplements a client takes, although allergies are important to consider in healthcare.