Preoperative assessment: safety considerations for patients taking herbal products

The increased use of herbal therapy and other dietary supplements in the past decade has increased the risk of complications for patients undergoing surgery. The use of herbal products is projected to rise in the United States. Therefore, it is important for the perianesthesia nurse to be aware of the herbal products that patients are taking and the possible anesthesia and/or surgical complications related to herbal products. Current resources are reviewed in this article to increase awareness for the perianesthesia nurse. Recommendations for establishing local protocols are given, and patient education on the use of herbal products is also considered.