A nurse is teaching a client who reports taking ginkgo biloba to improve his memory and peripheral arterial disease from atherosclerosis. The nurse should include which of the following potential side effects?

Choice A reason: Aplastic anemia results in an increased rate of RBC destruction

Aplastic anemia does not result from an increased rate of red blood cell (RBC) destruction. Instead, it is characterized by the bone marrow’s inability to produce sufficient new blood cells, including RBCs, white blood cells, and platelets. This condition leads to pancytopenia, a deficiency of all types of blood cells.

Choice B reason: Aplastic anemia is associated with a decreased intake of iron

Aplastic anemia is not typically associated with a decreased intake of iron. Iron deficiency anemia is a different condition where the body lacks enough iron to produce hemoglobin. Aplastic anemia, on the other hand, is due to the failure of the bone marrow to produce adequate blood cells.

Choice C reason: Aplastic anemia results from decreased bone marrow production of RBCs

This statement is correct. Aplastic anemia occurs when the bone marrow fails to produce enough new blood cells. This can be due to various factors, including autoimmune disorders, exposure to toxic chemicals, certain medications, and viral infections. The decreased production of RBCs, along with other blood cells, leads to the symptoms associated with aplastic anemia.

Choice D reason: Aplastic anemia results in an inability to absorb vitamin B12

Aplastic anemia is not related to the absorption of vitamin B12. Pernicious anemia is the condition associated with an inability to absorb vitamin B12 due to a lack of intrinsic factor. Aplastic anemia is specifically related to the bone marrow’s failure to produce sufficient blood cells.

Choice A reason:

Decreasing the infusion rate is the appropriate action when a client experiences flushing and tachycardia while receiving IV vancomycin. These symptoms are indicative of “Red Man Syndrome,” a reaction that occurs when vancomycin is infused too quickly. Slowing the infusion rate can help alleviate these symptoms and prevent further complications.

Choice B reason:

Changing the IV infusion site is not necessary in this situation. The symptoms of flushing and tachycardia are related to the rate of vancomycin infusion, not the site of administration. Therefore, changing the site would not address the underlying issue.

Choice C reason:

Documenting that the client experienced an anaphylactic reaction to the medication is incorrect. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that involves symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, and a rapid drop in blood pressure. The symptoms described (flushing and tachycardia) are more consistent with Red Man Syndrome, not anaphylaxis.

Choice D reason:

Applying cold compresses to the neck area is not an effective intervention for managing the symptoms of Red Man Syndrome. The primary approach should be to slow the infusion rate of vancomycin. Cold compresses would not address the cause of the reaction.