Two students are discussing the long-term effects of echinacea. ...

[lak]

Two students are discussing the long-term effects of echinacea. Which of the following statements by one of the students would be correct?
 
  a. Long-term use stimulates immune function.
  b. Long-term use suppresses immune function.
  c. Long-term use prolongs bleeding time.
  d. Prolonged use leads to increased platelet function.

Question 2

The nurse is performing the preoperative history for a patient admitted for abdominal surgery when the 52-year-old patient states that she takes ginger root daily. Why should the nurse place an immediate call to the surgeon?
 
  a. Ginger root increases the risk of postoperative nausea.
  b. Ginger root increases the risk of bleeding.
  c. Ginger root cannot be withdrawn abruptly.
  d. Ginger root is not supplied by the hospital pharmacy, and the prescriber will need to order an immediate substitution.

[xiaomengxian]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Long-term use of echinacea can suppress immune function, therefore the herbal should not be taken by immunocompromised patients.
Short-term, not long-term, use of echinacea stimulates immune function.
Long-term use does not prolong bleeding time or increase platelet function.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Ginger root inhibits the production of thromboxane by platelets, thereby reducing platelet aggregation. This is a cause for concern, because the patient has been admitted for surgery, and the risk for hemorrhage with any anticoagulant is high. The nurse should contact the prescriber.
Ginger root can be used to reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting.
Stopping ginger root abruptly is not cause for alarm.
Although ginger root may not be available in the hospital pharmacy, a substitution is not needed at this time.

[lak]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[diana chang]

TYSM