An Elderly Female Patient Is Placed on Warfarin Sodium (Coumadin)

Multiple Choice

An elderly female patient is placed on warfarin sodium (Coumadin) for thrombophlebitis and is seen in the clinic for a follow-up visit. On assessment, the patient complains that her forgetfulness is becoming worse and asks if ginkgo biloba would help. The most appropriate response by the nurse is:

A) "Ginkgo biloba improves memory, and you should have good results."
B) "Ginkgo biloba should not be part of your regimen, and the doctor does not believe in it."
C) "You should take St. John's wort instead, because it works better."
D) "Coumadin and gingko biloba should not be taken together because the herb prolongs bleeding time."