An Antihypertensive Medication Has Been Prescribed for an Older Patient

An antihypertensive medication has been prescribed for an older patient with hypertension. The patient tells a clinic nurse that he would like to take an herbal substance to help lower his blood pressure instead of the prescription medication. Which of the following should the nurse do? (Select all that apply.)

A) Tell the patient that herbal substances are less effective than prescription medications
B) Encourage the patient to discuss the use of an herbal substance with his primary care provider
C) Explore with the patient which herbal substance he is planning on taking
D) Educate the patient on possible interactions of the herbal substance with his other medications
E) Instruct the patient not to take the herbal substance, as it is dangerous