A 66-yr-old man with type 2 diabetes mellitus and atrial fibrillation has begun taking glucosamine and chondroitin for osteoarthritis. which question is most important for the nurse to ask?

Have you noticed any bruising or bleeding?"

Glucosamine and chondroitin are dietary supplements commonly used to treat osteoarthritis. Both glucosamine and chondroitin may increase the risk of bleeding. Anticoagulant therapy is indicated for patients with atrial fibrillation to reduce the risk of a thromboembolism and a stroke. Use of glucosamine and chondroitin along with an anticoagulant may precipitate excessive bleeding. Glucosamine may decrease the effectiveness of insulin or other drugs used to control blood glucose levels, and hyperglycemia may occur. Peripheral neuropathy symptoms that can develop with prolonged hyperglycemia include numbness and tingling in the feet.