Question

A client has been unable to lose weight through dietary changes and has inquired about the use of ephedra for this purpose. What should the nurse teach the client?

a. “Ephedra is known to have a lot of serious risks. Confirm with your provider, but it's likely best avoided.”

b. “The benefits of ephedra were greatly overstated and are a good example of 'media hype'.”

c. “It's best to talk to your health care provider because ephedra is only effective and appropriate for some clients.”

d. “Because of the safety risks that have been identified, ephedra is no longer available for sale in the U.S.”

In

Answer 1

Solution:

Answer: The correct option is OPTION (d).

The nurse should teach the client that Ephedra that contains ephedrine is no longer available in the US market owing to the many toxic effects associated with it. Though many nonprescription dietary pills contains ephedrine as active constituent, there will be many serious side effects reported that includes psychiatric disorder, stomach upset, palpitations or cardiac disease or even death.

Other options are not valid as,

The option (a) indicates serious toxic effect related to ephedra but nurse must recommend the client to avoid the compound, not further advise to confirm from the provider.

The option (b) relates to non medical statement and the nurse must advise the client on the basis of medical ground and the related risk factors of consuming ephedra.

The option (c) is incorrect as a whole as there are no such report or research that exhibits ephedra is working perfectly on a specific group of patients/clients.