National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

Which of the following patient factors would MOST increase the risk for an adverse drug reaction?

1. Male gender

2. Age 55 years

3. Use of herbal compounds

4. Presence of irritable bowel syndrome

The correct answer is: Use of herbal compounds

The most significant patient factor that would increase the risk for an adverse drug reaction is the use of herbal compounds. Herbal supplements often contain active ingredients that can interact with prescription medications, potentially leading to unexpected or harmful effects. These interactions can occur through various mechanisms, such as altering the metabolism of the drug, affecting its absorption, or modifying its effectiveness. Because herbal compounds are not always well regulated and may not be thoroughly studied for safety or efficacy in conjunction with traditional medications, this can place the patient at a higher risk for adverse reactions. While considerations like age, gender, and specific medical conditions can influence the overall risk of adverse drug reactions, the combination of unknown concentrations, variability in potency among different herbal products, and their unpredictable interactions with pharmaceuticals makes the use of herbal compounds a particularly concerning factor in this context. This highlights the importance of careful consideration and monitoring when patients are using both herbal and prescription items concurrently.