What mnemonic identifies drugs that increase bleeding risk?

• A. 5 G's
• B. GAL PLAT
• C. LATTINS
• D. BOAS

Answer: (A)

The mnemonic "5 G's" is used to help remember the medications and supplements that are known to increase the risk of bleeding. The "5 G's" refers to the following substances: garlic, ginger, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, and glucosamine. Each of these can interfere with normal hemostasis in some manner, such as by affecting platelet function or coagulation pathways, which leads to an increased risk of bleeding when taken alone or in conjunction with other anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.

Familiarity with this mnemonic is particularly valuable for healthcare providers, as it aids in identifying patients who may be at heightened risk for bleeding complications, allowing for better monitoring and management of their therapy. Understanding this connection is vital for making informed decisions about patient care, especially in those undergoing surgical procedures or those already on anticoagulant therapy.

In contrast, the other mnemonics presented reference different categories or characteristics of drugs or health conditions, which are not specifically tied to increasing bleeding risk in the same explicit manner as the "5 G's."