A client at the clinic informs the nurse during an examination that he

A client at the clinic informs the nurse during an examination that he has been taking chaparral as an anticancer agent. The client asks if there is any reason why this remedy should not be taken.

The nurse responds accurately when telling the client that chaparral:
1. Should not be taken with coffee or other caffeinated beverages
2. May induce veno-occlusive disease
3. Contains a carcinogenic substance
4. Is associated with liver toxicity

ANSWER

ANS: 4
Chaparral is an herb used for an anticancer effect. It has no proven efficacy and may induce se-vere liver toxicity. There are no contraindications for taking chaparral with coffee or other caf-feinated beverages. Ephedra should be avoided with the consumption of caffeine. Chaparral does not induce veno-occlusive disease. However, comfrey may do so. Chaparral is not known to contain a carcinogenic substance. Sassafras and calamus may contain a carcinogenic substance.