Question

Why is it important to inform your physician about any vitamins, minerals, herbals, or other supplements you are taking before surgery?

Answer 1

It is important to inform your physician about any vitamins, minerals, herbals, or other supplements you are taking before surgery because of potential interactions, increased bleeding risk, and effects on postoperative healing.

Step-by-step explanation:

It is important to inform your physician about any vitamins, minerals, herbals, or other supplements you are taking before surgery for several reasons:

1. Potential Interactions: Certain supplements can interact with anesthesia medications or other drugs used during surgery, which may affect their effectiveness or cause adverse reactions.
2. Bleeding Risk: Some supplements, such as fish oil, vitamin E, or ginkgo biloba, can thin the blood and increase the risk of bleeding during or after surgery.
3. Postoperative Healing: Certain supplements, like high-dose vitamin C or zinc, may affect wound healing or immune function. Your physician needs to be aware of these supplements to provide appropriate postoperative care.