Author Question: A nurse discusses ginger root with a pregnant patient who asks about the risks and benefits of using ... (Read 83 times)

vinney12 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A nurse discusses ginger root with a pregnant patient who asks about the risks and benefits of using ginger root to treat morning sickness during pregnancy. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

a. Ginger root can cause GI disturbance in high doses.
b. Ginger root can decrease my risk of bleeding.
c. Ginger root is effective in treating morning sickness.
d. Ginger root may affect fetal sex hormones.

Question 2

The nurse is obtaining a history from a patient who discloses daily use of St. John's wort in addition to prescription drugs. Which effect of this dietary supplement would most concern the nurse?

a. It accelerates the metabolism of some drugs.
b. It enhances the effects of digoxin.
c. It counteracts the effects of CNS depressants.
d. It increases the risk of bleeding.

Jossy · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Ginger root can increase the risk of bleeding in patients taking other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. In high doses, it can cause GI disturbances. It has been shown to be effective in treating morning sickness. It may affect fetal sex hormones.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
St. John's wort has the potential to interact with many drugs through three different mechanisms. One mechanism, induction of P450, accelerates the metabolism of many drugs, causing loss of therapeutic effects. St. John's wort reduces the effects of digoxin, because P-glycoprotein transports drugs out of tubular cells of the kidney and into the urine, greatly reducing digoxin levels. St. John's wort does not counteract the beneficial effects of CNS depressants; it can actually intensify the effects of serotonin. St. John's wort is not known to increase the risk of bleeding.