Author Question: During an admission interview, a patient tells the nurse about taking Ginkgo biloba daily. The nurse ... (Read 113 times)

karateprodigy · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

During an admission interview, a patient tells the nurse about taking Ginkgo biloba daily. The nurse responds to this information by inquiring whether the client:

a. has ever been screened for depression.
b. experiences gastrointestinal (GI) upset.
c. has concerns regarding impotence.
d. has reoccurring bouts of bronchitis.

Question 2

An older adult client is being seen for the first time at the outpatient geriatric clinic. As a com-ponent of the nursing admission history, the nurse inquires about the use of herbs and other sup-plements.

The basis for this inquiry is that such herbal therapy:
a. may interact with prescription medica-tions.
b. is hazardous when used by older adults.
c. replaces the need for prescription medica-tions.
d. causes excessive sedation in older adults.

nekcihc358 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Side effects of Ginkgo biloba include GI upset and should be assessed for by the nurse. Neither depression, nor impotence, nor chronic bronchitis conditions are generally self-treated with Gingko biloba. These conditions are not considered typical side effects of Gingko biloba either.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The gerontological nurse has the obligation to ask questions and obtain specific information about the use of herbs and supplements because they may interact with prescription medications. When used cautiously and with knowledge of potential interactions with other medications, herbs and supplements are not hazardous. They do not replace the need for prescription medications. Not all herbs and supplements cause excessive sedation.