Mrs. Carnegy is hospitalized for pneumonia and asks to continue peppermint, an herbal remedy for IBS. What should the nurse do?

• A. Consult with the healthcare team to see if they agree to include peppermint in the plan of care.
• B. Tell Mrs. Carnegy that herbal preparations cannot be administered while she is in hospital.
• C. Agree to provide Mrs. Carnegy with peppermint, as it is a recognized complementary therapy.
• D. Recommend that Mrs. Carnegy consult with her physician about other prescription medications that may be more effective than peppermint.

Answer: (B)

When safety in inpatient care is the priority, anything a patient wants to take must have a physician’s order. Herbal products like peppermint are not automatically part of the hospital plan because their strength and effects can vary, dosing isn’t standardized, and they can interact with prescribed medications or affect a patient’s respiratory status. For someone hospitalized with pneumonia, introducing an herbal remedy without an order could complicate treatment or mask symptoms.

So, the nurse should tell the patient that peppermint cannot be given in the hospital without an approved order and offer to help arrange a discussion with the physician about whether it can be safely used now or after discharge. If the patient requests, the nurse should document it and facilitate the appropriate clinical review, rather than administering it unapproved.