Question 1

Which of the following patients does the nurse deduce is seeing an alternative medical practitioner?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture is an alternative medical practice, and the patient preventing and treating migraine headaches with acupuncture suggests that they are seeing an alternative medical practitioner. The other options may involve conventional medical treatments, such as muscle relaxants and vitamin supplements.

Question 2

During a routine health examination,the patient tells the nurse that she uses a variety of herbal therapies to maintain her health.In discussing her use of herbs,what should the nurse caution the patient about?

Accepted Answer

Herbs should be purchased from reputable manufacturers to ensure quality and safety, as the herbal supplement industry is not as strictly regulated as pharmaceuticals.

Question 3

Which of the following should the nurse assess to evaluate the effect of aromatherapy on a patient after surgery?

Accepted Answer

Aromatherapy is a non-invasive complementary therapy that has been used to alleviate postoperative symptoms such as pain, anxiety, and nausea. As such, assessing the patient's vitals such as blood pressure and pulse can help determine the effect of the therapy on the patient's overall well-being. While monitoring the incision for signs of infection and assessing intake and output are important postoperative assessments, they are not directly related to the effect of aromatherapy. Similarly, assessing breath sounds is important for patients with respiratory issues, but may not be relevant in assessing the efficacy of aromatherapy.

Question 4

Which of the following is a commonly used herb for treating nausea and vomiting during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Ginger is a commonly used herb for treating nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It has been found to be safe and effective with few side effects. Aloe, kava, and milk thistle are not typically used for this purpose and may not be safe during pregnancy.

Question 5

A patient with chronic headaches seeks treatment from a nurse trained in therapeutic touch.What does the nurse explain to the patient that therapeutic touch involves?

Accepted Answer

Therapeutic touch involves the use of the practitioner's hands to assess and redirect energy.

Question 6

Which of the following is true regarding healing touch?

Accepted Answer

Healing touch is a complementary therapy that aims to assist the patient in self-healing by balancing the patient's energy system. It is not tied to any particular religion or physician-based program. While nurses may use healing touch, its effectiveness is ultimately determined by the patient's response to the treatment.

Question 7

Which one of the following patients is most likely to use complementary and alternative therapies?

Accepted Answer

Older adults with chronic conditions are more likely to use complementary and alternative therapies.

Question 8

The nurse is using imagery as a technique for pain management with a patient who has rheumatoid arthritis.What should the nurse tell the patient to promote reinforcement of the image of a pleasant scene by the patient?

Accepted Answer

Asking the patient to describe the sensory details of the pleasant scene helps to reinforce the image and keep the patient focused on the imagery, which can aid in pain management. Option B suggests personifying the pain, which may be helpful for some patients, but may not be appropriate or effective for all patients. Option C may distract the patient from the desired image and defeat the purpose of using imagery for pain management. Option D may cause more distress for the patient and is not a recommended technique for imagery.

Question 9

A patient always seems to develop an upper respiratory tract infection in the spring,and he asks if any herbal preparation is available that would help him.Which one of the following recommended herbs should the nurse suggest?

Accepted Answer

Echinacea has been traditionally used for immune system support and may help prevent or alleviate upper respiratory tract infections. Comfrey is not typically used for respiratory issues, Ginkgo biloba is used for cognitive function and St. John's wort is used for depression and anxiety.

Question 10

A patient with high blood pressure asks the nurse about the use of fish oil supplements to help lower blood pressure.Which is the nurse's best response?

Accepted Answer

Fish oil supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown in some studies to help lower blood pressure by reducing triglyceride levels and possibly offering anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory effects.

Question 11

A patient comes to an outpatient clinic and requests an acupuncturist for treatment of her asthma.In responding to the patient's request,what does the nurse recognize about the effect of acupuncture on asthma?

Accepted Answer

Research has found that acupuncture may have benefits for asthma patients, including improved lung function and decreased symptoms. While traditional Chinese medicine concepts may play a role in a patient's belief in acupuncture, it is not necessary for the treatment to be effective. The risk for respiratory complications with acupuncture is very low if performed by a trained, licensed acupuncturist.

Question 12

A patient tells the nurse that she has been taking melatonin every day.The nurse would ask questions about which of the following during assessment,to evaluate the effectiveness of this herb for its intended use?

Accepted Answer

Melatonin is commonly used as a sleep aid, so asking about the patient's sleep habits would be the most appropriate way to evaluate the effectiveness of the herb for its intended use. Glucose levels, bruising or bleeding tendencies, and bowel habits are not directly related to the use of melatonin as a sleep aid.

Question 13

Which of the following is used to gently lift and knead the muscle?

Accepted Answer

Pétrissage is a massage technique used to gently lift and knead the muscle. This technique involves squeezing and rolling the muscle with the hands, fingers, or thumbs. The purpose of pétrissage is to increase blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and improve flexibility.

Question 14

Which therapy is appropriate for the nurse to suggest for a patient with fibromyalgia?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture has shown to have some effectiveness in reducing pain and improving symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia. Aromatherapy, magnetic therapy, and therapeutic touch have not been proven to be effective treatments for this condition.

Quiz 12: Complementary and Alternative Therapies