Deck 22: Complementary Therapies

Question 1

Herbs and plants can be useful in treating a variety of conditions. Which herbal treatment should a nurse determine as appropriate for a client experiencing frequent migraine headaches?

A)Saint John's wort combined with an antidepressant
B)Ginger root combined with a beta-blocker
C)Feverfew, used according to directions
D)Kava-kava added to a regular diet

Answer 1

Feverfew, used according to directions

Question 2

A client asks a nurse to explain the difference between complementary and alternative medicine. Which is an appropriate nursing reply?

A)"Alternative medicine is a more acceptable practice than complementary medicine."
B)"Alternative and complementary medicine are terms that essentially mean the same thing."
C)"Complementary medicine disregards traditional medical approaches."
D)"Complementary therapies partner alternative medicine with traditional medical practice."

Answer 2

"Complementary therapies partner alternative medicine with traditional medical practice."

Question 3

A client is exhibiting short-term memory loss and has a slow capillary refill. Which herbal remedy would address this client's symptoms?

A)Ginkgo
B)Fennel
C)Passion flower
D)Black cohosh

Answer 3

Ginkgo

Question 4

Which of the following nursing statements best explains to the client the benefits of pet therapy? (Select all that apply.)

A)"Pet therapy allows the therapist to assess the client's social relationships."
B)"Pet therapy decreases blood pressure."
C)"Pet therapy enhances client mood."
D)"Pet therapy improves sensory functioning."
E)"Pet therapy mitigates the effects of loneliness."

Question 5

A client reports taking St. John's wort for depression. The client states, "I'm taking the recommended dose, but it seems like if two capsules are good, four would be better!" Which is an appropriate nursing reply?

A)"Herbal medicines are more likely to cause adverse reactions than prescription medications."
B)"Increasing the amount of herbal preparations can lead to overdose and toxicity."
C)"The FDA does not regulate herbal remedies, therefore ingredients are often unknown."
D)"Certain companies are better than others.Always buy a reputable brand."

Question 6

A lethargic client is diagnosed with major depressive disorder. After taking antidepressant therapy for 6 weeks, the symptoms have not resolved. Which nutritional deficiency should a nurse identify as potentially contributing to the client's symptoms?

A)Vitamin A deficiency
B)Vitamin C deficiency
C)Iron deficiency
D)Folic acid deficiency

Question 7

A nurse understands that when a practitioner corrects subluxation by manipulating the vertebrae of the spinal column the practitioner is employing which therapy?

A)Allopathic therapy
B)Therapeutic touch therapy
C)Massage therapy
D)Chiropractic therapy

Question 8

A client diagnosed with chronic migraine headaches is considering acupuncture. The client asks a clinic nurse, "How does this treatment work?" Which is the best response by the nurse?

A)"Western medicine believes that acupuncture stimulates the body's release of pain-fighting chemicals called endorphins."
B)"I'm not sure why he suggested acupuncture.There are a lot of risks, including HIV."
C)"Acupuncture works by encouraging the body to increase its development of serotonin and norepinephrine."
D)"Your acupuncturist is your best resource for answering your specific questions."

Question 9

A client with chronic lower back pain states, "My nurse practitioner told me that acupuncture may enhance the effect of the medications and physical therapy prescribed." What type of therapy is the nurse practitioner recommending?

A)Alternative therapy
B)Physiotherapy
C)Complementary therapy
D)Biopsychosocial therapy

Question 10

A client inquires about the practice of therapeutic touch. Which nursing reply best explains the goal of this therapy?

A)"The goal is to improve circulation to the body by deep, circular massage."
B)"The goal is to re-pattern the body's energy field by the use of rhythmic hand motions."
C)"The goal is to improve breathing by increasing oxygen to the brain and body tissues."
D)"The goal is to decrease blood pressure by body toxin release."

Question 11

A client has been taking 1,200 mg/day of St. John's wort during the past year for symptoms of depression. Recently, the client complains of side effects from this herbal remedy. What symptom should the nurse expect the client to report?

A)Photosensitivity
B)Insomnia
C)Hirsutism
D)Restlessness

Question 12

A client who prefers to use St. John's wort and psychotherapy in lieu of antidepressant therapy asks for tips on using herbal remedies. Which teaching points should a nurse provide? (Select all that apply.)

A)Select a reputable brand.
B)Increasing dosage does not lead to improved effectiveness.
C)Monitor for adverse reactions.
D)Gradually increase dosage to gain maximum effect.
E)Most herbal remedies are best absorbed on an empty stomach.

Question 13

Which of the following practices should a nurse describe to a client as being incorporated during yoga therapy? (Select all that apply.)

A)Deep breathing
B)Meridian therapy
C)Balanced body postures
D)Massage therapy
E)Meditation

Question 14

A nursing student having no knowledge of alternative treatments states, "Aren't these therapies 'bogus' and, like a fad, will eventually fade away?" Which is an accurate nursing reply?

A)"Like nursing, complementary therapies take a holistic approach to healing."
B)"The American Nurses Association is researching the effectiveness of these therapies."
C)"It is important to remain nonjudgmental about these therapies."
D)"Alternative therapy concepts are rooted in psychoanalysis."

Question 15

A nursing instructor is teaching about complementary therapies. Which student statement indicates that learning has occurred?

A)"Complementary therapies view all humans as being biologically similar."
B)"Complementary therapies view a person as a combination of multiple, integrated elements."
C)"Complementary therapies focus on primarily the structure and functions of the body."
D)"Complementary therapies view disease as a deviation from a normal biological state."