Vitamins, Minerals & Herbal Supplements (copy) Simpler

What are vitamins?

Essential nutrients the body must get from food or supplements.

What are the two main types of vitamins?

Water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins.

Which vitamins are water-soluble and what happens to them?

B-complex vitamins and vitamin C; they are easily absorbed into the bloodstream.

Which vitamins are fat-soluble and where are they stored?

Vitamins A, D, E, and K; they are absorbed with fat and bile and stored in the liver.

What is the most common anemia and a major iron source in the notes?

Iron-deficiency anemia; red meat is the number one iron source listed.

What foods provide iron?

Meat, fish, poultry, organ meats, leafy green vegetables, spinach, beans, and nuts.

What conditions can cause iron-deficiency anemia?

Gastric bypass, pregnancy, pica, parasites, H. pylori, and GI absorption problems.

What is pica?

Craving or eating things that are not food.

What blood tests may be low with iron-deficiency anemia?

Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and transferrin.

What are signs and symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia?

Fatigue, dyspnea, pallor, and tachycardia.

Why is vitamin C or orange juice taken with iron?

Vitamin C increases iron absorption.

What forms of iron are listed in the notes?

Ferrous sulfate orally and iron dextran IV or IM.

What stool change and administration teaching apply to oral iron?

Black or dark stools are expected; take iron on an empty stomach and separate it from food and other medications.

What is vitamin B12 and what anemia does it treat?

Vitamin B12 is cyanocobalamin; it is used for pernicious anemia and is naturally found in animal foods.

What is folic acid and what is it used for?

Folic acid is vitamin B9; it is used for anemia and supplementation in patients taking sulfa medications.

Why should folic acid ideally be started before pregnancy?

It helps prevent neural tube defects.

Why may patients taking certain diuretics need potassium?

Furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) can lower potassium.

How should IV potassium be administered?

Slowly using an IV pump because it can irritate the vein and cause burning or pain.

Can potassium ever be given by IV push?

No. Never give potassium by IV push.

What potassium unit and IV-rate note should you remember?

Potassium is normally ordered in mEq; the notes list an IV rate of 10–20 mg/hour. Follow the exact order and facility policy.

What is MgSO4 and what general effect does it have?

Magnesium sulfate; the notes describe it as relaxing or mellowing the body.

What are the uses of magnesium sulfate listed in the notes?

Preterm labor, convulsions or seizures, and torsades de pointes.

What are signs of magnesium sulfate overdose and its antidote?

Respiratory depression, paralysis, weak muscles, and diminished DTRs; the antidote is calcium gluconate.

What should the nurse check before a patient uses an herbal supplement?

Medication interactions and whether surgery is planned.

When should herbal supplements usually be stopped before surgery?

Two to three weeks before surgery according to the notes.

Which supplements can increase bleeding risk?

Vitamin E, ginger, garlic, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, and omega-3.

Which bleeding-risk supplement has a special warning for stroke?

Ginkgo biloba.

What is glucosamine used for and what should be monitored?

Joint problems and arthritis; monitor for hypoglycemia when used with diabetes medications.

What is hawthorn used for?

Heart problems, including heart failure and hypertension.

What is evening primrose used for?

Eczema.

What is saw palmetto used for?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

What is black cohosh used for and what medications can it affect?

Menopausal hot flashes; it can increase the effects of blood-pressure medications and insulin.

What is valerian used for and how does it work according to the notes?

Insomnia and anxiety; it has a Valium-like calming effect and increases GABA.

How does St. John’s wort affect serotonin?

It increases serotonin.

Which antidepressants should not be mixed with St. John’s wort?

SSRIs, MAOIs, and TCAs because serotonin syndrome can occur.

What signs of serotonin syndrome are listed in the notes?

Muscle rigidity, fever, and seizures.

How can St. John’s wort affect warfarin and digoxin?

It can decrease the INR and decrease digoxin’s effectiveness.

What other serious problem is listed with St. John’s wort?

Hypertensive crisis.

What is kava used for and what is its major danger?

Anxiety and insomnia; the major danger is hepatotoxicity.

What is licorice root used for and where can it be found?

Ulcers and infection; it may be found in tea, candy, and coffee.

What major side effects can licorice root cause?

Hypertension and hypokalemia.

What properties and topical uses does aloe vera have?

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties; it may be used for burns and pain.

What effect can oral aloe vera have?

A laxative effect.

What does echinacea do and what condition may it help according to the notes?

It stimulates the immune system, decreases inflammation, and may help migraines.

How does echinacea affect platelets?

It blocks platelet aggregation and can have a blood-thinning effect.

Which medications require caution with echinacea?

Heparin, warfarin, aspirin, and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen.

Why is caution needed with echinacea and blood thinners or NSAIDs?

The combination can increase bleeding risk.

When should echinacea be stopped before surgery?

Two weeks before surgery.

Are furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide both loop diuretics?

No. Furosemide is a loop diuretic; hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a thiazide diuretic.

What potassium effect do furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide share?

Both can lower potassium.