A nurse is teaching a client who reports taking gingko biloba to improve their memory. Which side effect would the nurse include in teaching?

A. Bad breath: Gingko biloba is not associated with causing halitosis. This side effect is more commonly linked to poor oral hygiene or certain medications, not herbal supplements like gingko. B. Decreased alertness: Gingko biloba is often taken with the intention of improving cognitive function and memory. It does not typically cause sedation or decreased alertness, though evidence on its effectiveness remains mixed. C. Breast enlargement: Breast enlargement, or gynecomastia, is not a known effect of gingko biloba. This side effect is more associated with hormonal imbalances or medications such as spironolactone or certain antipsychotics. D. Bleeding gums: Gingko biloba can impair platelet aggregation and increase bleeding risk, especially when taken with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. Bleeding gums are a potential side effect due to its antiplatelet properties and should be discussed during patient education.