When faced with a scenario where it is believed that a client from ano

When faced with a scenario where it is believed that a client from another cultural background is using herbal remedies along with the prescribed medication to treat her arthritis. The nurse’s first action should be to:

1. Educate the client concerning the danger of taking herbs and the prescribed med-ication
2. Inquire of the client as to the reason for using herbal remedies along with the pre-scribed medication
3. Ask the client to identify what herbal remedies are being used along with the prescribed medications
4. Alert the physician to the client’s use of herbal remedies in addition to the pre-scribed medications

ANSWER

ANS: 3
Rather than first dismissing the practice as dangerous and incompatible with Western medicine, practitioners need to investigate further whether the practice needs changing. Although educat-ing the client may be appropriate, this cannot be determined until the herb has been identified and it is determined to be harmful in this situation. Asking the client why additional remedies are being used may make the client feel defensive. The nurse needs to first determine what herbs are being used. While alerting the physician is appropriate, it is not the first action to be taken by the nurse. The nurse should initially determine what herbs are being used.