Question

a nurse is obtaining a clients health history and discovers that the client takes loratadine, an over - the - counter medication. the nurse should identify that which of the following is correct regarding over - the - counter medications? (select all that apply.)
they do not require the supervision of a nurse.
they can interact with other medications.
they should be included in the clients medication history assessment.
they are less effective than prescription medications.
they do not cause toxicity.

Explanation:

• Option 1: Over - the - counter (OTC) medications can be purchased without a prescription and do not need a nurse's supervision for use (when used as directed).
• Option 2: OTC medications can have drug - drug interactions with other medications (prescription or OTC) the client is taking.
• Option 3: OTC medications are part of a client's medication history as they can impact the client's health and interact with other drugs, so they should be included in the assessment.
• Option 4: OTC medications are not inherently less effective than prescription medications. Their effectiveness depends on the condition they are treating and proper use.
• Option 5: OTC medications can cause toxicity if taken in improper doses or in combination with other substances.

Answer:

• A. They do not require the supervision of a nurse.
• B. They can interact with other medications.
• C. They should be included in the client's medication history assessment.