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

A. Prayer: Prayer and meditation are practices that focus on the mind-body connection and can be used for relaxation, stress reduction, and promoting inner peace. These practices are often included in CAM approaches.

B. Yoga: Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. It can improve flexibility, strength, balance, and overall well-being, making it a popular CAM therapy.

C. Massage: Massage therapy involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body to promote relaxation, pain relief, and improved circulation. It's a widely used CAM therapy.

D. Meditation: Meditation involves focusing your attention and quieting the mind. It can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve emotional well-being, aligning with CAM principles.

E. Ointments with a steroid base: Steroid creams are medications typically prescribed by doctors for specific skin conditions. While some natural remedies might be used topically in CAM, ointments with a steroid base wouldn't be considered a CAM therapy itself.

A. Alteplase (Activase): Alteplase is a thrombolytic agent used to dissolve blood clots. Concurrent use with clopidogrel, an antiplatelet medication, can increase the risk of bleeding due to additive effects on clotting. Therefore, it's important to consult the doctor before using these medications together.

B. Diltiazem: Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension and certain heart rhythm disorders. Diltiazem will decrease the level or effect of clopidogrel by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Therefore, it's advisable to consult the doctor before using these medications together.

C. Ibuprofen: Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and inflammation. Like other NSAIDs, it can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with clopidogrel. Therefore, it's important to consult the doctor before using these medications together.

D. Aspirin: Aspirin is another antiplatelet medication commonly used to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Combining clopidogrel with aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding without significantly improving outcomes in most cases. However, in some situations, such as after certain cardiac procedures, dual antiplatelet therapy (clopidogrel plus aspirin) may be prescribed under close medical supervision. Therefore, it's crucial to consult the doctor before using these medications together.

E. Coumadin (warfarin): Coumadin is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clots. Concurrent use with clopidogrel can increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it's essential to consult the doctor before using these medications together.