During a follow-up appointment after a myocardial infarction, a patient states, "My friends tell me to add more garlic to my diet and start drinking red wine each evening." What response by the nurse is best?

Question

1. "Discuss your idea with the physician to see what would benefit you."
2. "That sounds fine. See how they work."
3. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."
4. "You should also add ginkgo biloba for cardiovascular health."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1
Complimentary therapies could be helpful. They should be added only after discussion with a healthcare provider who is familiar with the patient's history and current medication/allergy list. Interactions between herbal preparations and prescribed medications are common. Since the patient has taken an interest in her health by discussing it with her friends, ignoring her comment or discouraging her would not be beneficial. The nurse should not add or approve any other complimentary therapies unless directed so by the physician.