Question

A 70-year-old patient is newly admitted to a skilled nursing facility with the diagnoses of Alzheimer's dementia, lipidemia, and hypertension, and a history of pulmonary embolism. Medications brought on admission included lisinopril, hydrochlorothiazide, warfarin, low-dose aspirin, ginkgo biloba, and echinacea. The nurse contacts the patient's medical provider over which potential drug-drug interaction?

a. Lisinopril and echinacea
b. Warfarin and ginkgo biloba
c. Echinacea and warfarin
d. Lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide

Answer 1

The potential drug-drug interaction that the nurse should contact the medical provider about is warfarin and ginkgo biloba. Taking both medications together increases the risk of bleeding.

Step-by-step explanation:

The potential drug-drug interaction that the nurse should contact the medical provider about is warfarin and ginkgo biloba. Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent excessive blood clotting, while ginkgo biloba is an herb that can also thin the blood. Taking both medications together increases the risk of bleeding. It is important for the medical provider to be aware of this interaction and possibly adjust the patient's medication regimen accordingly.