Why is it important for the nurse to collect information from the patient about the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)?

A. Increase the risk for bleeding: Herbal supplements like green tea, ginkgo, feverfew, garlic, and ginger can potentiate the effects of warfarin by enhancing its anticoagulant properties. This increases the risk of bleeding, as warfarin itself is a blood thinner designed to prevent clot formation. These herbs can further inhibit platelet aggregation or enhance anticoagulation, leading to a higher risk of bleeding complications.

B. Cause severe headache: While some herbal supplements can cause headaches as a side effect, this is not the primary concern when combined with warfarin. The interaction between these herbs and warfarin does not commonly result in severe headaches. The primary issue is the increased risk of bleeding.

C. Decrease the effects of the warfarin (Coumadin): These particular herbal supplements do not generally decrease the effects of warfarin. In fact, they are more likely to increase its anticoagulant effects. Some other substances might interfere with warfarin's efficacy, but the herbs listed are known to enhance its bleeding risk.

D. Cause severe hypotension: Severe hypotension is not a common result of combining these herbal supplements with warfarin. The primary interaction is related to the blood-thinning effects, not to blood pressure regulation. Herbal supplements that might affect blood pressure are not typically those that interact significantly with warfarin in this manner.

A. Whole: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) emphasizes treating the entire person, considering physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health. It aims to restore balance and promote overall well-being.

B. Diseased: CAM focuses on addressing the root cause of illness, not just treating the symptoms of a disease. While disease management can be a part of CAM, it's not the sole focus.

C. Partial: CAM doesn't focus on treating only a part of the person. It aims for a comprehensive approach.

D. Impaired: While CAM can be used to address impairments, it has a broader scope that encompasses promoting overall health and preventing illness, not just treating existing limitations