When admitting a patient who has diabetes and poorly controlled ...

[lindiwe]

When admitting a patient who has diabetes and poorly controlled glucose levels, the nurse obtains the information shown in the accompanying figure about the patient's use of complementary and alternative therapies.
 
  Which information is most important to report to the health care provider?
 
  a. Takes zinc when cold symptoms occur
  b. Practices relaxation therapies frequently
  c. Takes multivitamin tablet every morning
  d. Uses glucosamine and ginkgo biloba daily

Question 2

A patient who uses multiple herbal products is scheduled for knee replacement surgery. Which herbal products should the nurse instruct the patient to discontinue at least 2 to 3 weeks before surgery (select all that apply)?
 
  a. Garlic
  b. Ginger
  c. Feverfew
  d. Echinacea
  e. Ginkgo biloba

[trampas]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Glucosamine and ginkgo biloba can affect blood glucose levels and may be contributing to the blood glucose instability for the patient. The other complementary and alternative therapies (CATs) will also be reported, but are not as pertinent for this patient.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, B, C, E
Feverfew, ginger, garlic, and ginkgo biloba all prolong bleeding time and should be discontinued 2 to 3 weeks before surgery. Echinacea is usually safe to continue, but if the patient has an upper respiratory tract infection, he or she probably should not have surgery.