Deck 8: Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Question 1

Which information obtained by the nurse during the preoperative assessment of a patient is most important to assess further?

A) The patient uses several herbal remedies routinely.
B) The patient has used acupressure to relieve postoperative nausea in the past.
C) The patient expresses a wish to use acupuncture for postoperative pain control.
D) The patient recently visited a chiropractor for back pain.

Answer 1

The patient uses several herbal remedies routinely.

Question 2

The nurse determines that an alternative therapy is being used by the patient who

A) uses progressive relaxation to control the nausea of cancer chemotherapy.
B) prevents and treats migraine headaches with acupuncture.
C) supplements chiropractic manipulation for low back pain with muscle relaxants.
D) takes vitamin supplements as a treatment for malabsorption.

Answer 2

prevents and treats migraine headaches with acupuncture.

Question 3

To evaluate the effect of aromatherapy on a patient after surgery, the nurse will

A) check the patient's incision for signs of infection.
B) monitor the patient's intake and output.
C) assess the patient's blood pressure and pulse.
D) listen to the patient's breath sounds.

Answer 3

assess the patient's blood pressure and pulse.

Question 4

The nurse observes a patient who uses acupressure applying pressure to the right hand between the thumb and first finger. Which comment by the nurse is most appropriate?

A) "Do you think that the pressure will be helpful?"
B) "Does the pressure help you feel more relaxed?"
C) "Do you have a headache?"
D) "Should I call the doctor?"

Question 5

Which information obtained by the nurse when admitting a patient with osteoarthritis indicates a need for patient teaching?

A) The patient gets information about herbal therapies from a health food store employee.
B) The patient takes glucosamine daily to prevent knee and hip pain.
C) The patient attends a weekly yoga class to improve flexibility and balance.
D) The patient states that prayer helps to improve the knee pain and function.

Question 6

While obtaining a health history of a patient who has a large infected wound to the foot, the nurse learns that the patient has taken goldenseal to boost immune function rather than taking antibiotics for the infection. Which action by the nurse is initially most appropriate?

A) Instruct the patient about reasons for antibiotic use with infection
B) Tell the patient that the doctor is likely to prescribe antibiotics
C) Ask the patient, "How do you feel about using both antibiotics and natural remedies?"
D) Tell the patient that studies of goldenseal show that it is not effective in treating infection.

Question 7

To monitor the effectiveness of ginkgo, the nurse evaluates the patient's

A) red blood cells.
B) motivation.
C) blood pressure.
D) attention span.

Question 8

A patient with chronic headaches seeks treatment from a nurse trained in Therapeutic Touch. The nurse explains to the patient that Therapeutic Touch involves

A) manipulation of soft tissue and small joints that alters the length and tone of myofascial tissue.
B) the forceful, passive movement of joints to restore structural and functional imbalances.
C) application of pressure with the fingers at points on the body where energy is obstructed.
D) the use of the practitioner's energy to repattern energy imbalances in the patient.

Question 9

A patient treated with antihypertensive medication is planning to start using meditation to promote relaxation and reduced anxiety. The nurse cautions the patient that

A) meditation can be used successfully only if the patient is responsive to suggestion.
B) the blood pressure should be monitored frequently because the medication might need to be adjusted.
C) frequent appointments, practice times, and goal setting are necessary for effective use of meditation.
D) meditation can be a good complementary therapy, but medications will always be needed.

Question 10

A patient who develops frequent upper respiratory infections (URIs) asks the nurse whether any herbal therapies might help. The nurse suggests that the patient try

A) ginger.
B) ginkgo biloba.
C) echinacea.
D) St. John's wort.

Question 11

A patient who uses multiple herbal products is scheduled to undergo knee-replacement surgery. The nurse informs the patient that herbs that should be discontinued at least 3 weeks before surgery include (Select all that apply.)

A) kava.
B) ginger.
C) chamomile.
D) echinacea.
E) saw palmetto.
F) St. John's wort.

Question 12

A patient who has nausea associated with chemotherapy asks the nurse whether there are any complementary and alternative therapies that might be effective. The nurse should discuss the use of

A) acupuncture.
B) magnet therapy.
C) saw palmetto.
D) green tea.

Question 13

A patient with rheumatoid arthritis asks the nurse about the use of fish oil supplements to help decrease symptoms. The best response by the nurse is that

A) there is some evidence that fish oil supplements are helpful in treating rheumatoid arthritis.
B) fish oil supplements are helpful for preventing cardiac disease, but not for rheumatoid arthritis.
C) because there is no clear evidence that fish oil supplements are helpful, the patient should not waste money on them.
D) the patient should discuss the use of fish oil supplements in rheumatoid arthritis with the hospital dietician.

Question 14

A patient with fibromyalgia has chronic pain and stiffness. The nurse suggests that a therapy that might be appropriate for this patient is

A) acupuncture.
B) aromatherapy.
C) magnetic therapy.
D) Therapeutic Touch.

Question 15

During a routine health examination, the patient tells the nurse that about using a variety of herbal therapies for health maintenance. In discussing the use of herbs, the nurse cautions the patient that

A) herbs should be purchased only from manufacturers with a history of quality control of their products.
B) herbs are no better than conventional drugs in maintaining health and may be less safe.
C) most herbs are toxic and carcinogenic and should be used only when proven effective.
D) frequent medical evaluation is required during the use of herbs to avoid adverse effects.