Pharmacology 3rd Edition by Michael Adams , Carol Urban

Exercise 8

Remember the patient "Larry Bunch" at the beginning of the cbapter? Now read the remainder of the case study. Based on the information presented within this chapter. respond to the critical thinking questions that follow.

Sixty-nine-year-old Larry Bunch was not only frustrating his daughter, but his forgetfulness was annoying him as well. Since the death of his wife 2 years ago, his forgetfulness seemed to be worsening. To remedy the situation, he purchased a bottle of ginkgo biloba atthe health food store and began taking the supplement about 6 months ago.
Larry was hospitalized 3 years ago for a cardiac condition (atrial fibrillation). When he was discharged from the hospital, he was placed on an anticoagulant therapy to prevent blood clots from forming in his heart. Today, Larry comes to his health care provider's office for a scheduled blood test to determine the effectiveness of his anticoagulant.
When the results from the blood test return, it is noted that Larry's coagulation time is abnormally high. Based on the test, Larry is at high risk of hemorrhaging. As the nurse, you note that his vital signs are within normal limits, and he states he feels well. However, you also observe some large bruises on Larry's arms, which he cannot explain.
Discuss the hazards that patients face when using complementary and alternative therapies.