The nurse obtains a health history from a patient who is ...

[AEWBW]

The nurse obtains a health history from a patient who is scheduled for elective hip surgery in 1 week. The patient reports use of garlic and ginkgo biloba. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
 
  a. Ascertain that there will be no interactions with anesthetic agents.
  b. Teach the patient that these products may be continued preoperatively.
  c. Advise the patient to stop the use of all herbs and supplements at this time.
  d. Discuss the herb and supplement use with the patient's health care provider.

Question 2

A patient undergoing an emergency appendectomy has been using St. John's wort to prevent depression. Which complication would the nurse expect in the postanesthesia care unit?
 
  a. Increased pain
  b. Hypertensive episodes
  c. Longer time to recover from anesthesia
  d. Increased risk for postoperative bleeding

[dmurph1496]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Both garlic and ginkgo biloba increase a patient's risk for bleeding. The nurse should discuss the herb and supplement use with the patient's health care provider. The nurse should not advise the patient to stop the supplements or to continue them without consulting with the health care provider. Determining the interactions between the supplements and anesthetics is not within the nurse's scope of practice.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
St. John's wort may prolong the effects of anesthetic agents and increase the time to waken completely after surgery. It is not associated with increased bleeding risk, hypertension, or increased pain.