Question

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who takes ginkgo biloba as an herbal supplement. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

a. 'Ginkgo biloba can interact with anticoagulant medications.'

b. 'You can stop taking your prescribed blood thinner while using ginkgo biloba.'

c. 'Ginkgo biloba has no known interactions with any medications.'

d. 'It is safe to take ginkgo biloba in large doses.'

Answer 1

The nurse should inform the client that ginkgo biloba can interact with anticoagulant medications.

Step-by-step explanation:

When providing teaching to a client who takes ginkgo biloba as an herbal supplement, the nurse should inform the client that ginkgo biloba can interact with anticoagulant medications. This is because ginkgo biloba has been found to inhibit platelet aggregation and may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulants. It is important for the client to inform their healthcare provider about their use of ginkgo biloba so that appropriate precautions can be taken.