Question 1

When a patient asks a nurse to explain complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies,which fact should the nurse include?

Accepted Answer

A)  Therapeutic touch is the chief CAM therapy used by advanced nurse practitioners. 
B)  It is important to check for the most recent research findings concerning the particular therapy being considered. 
C)  The therapies are generally harmless and can be tried with little risk of any adverse effects. 
D)  Medical practitioners understand human physiology and the affects of traditional treatment modalities on the patient, making them comfortable prescribing them. B

Question 2

Nurses are in an ideal position to help patients understand how complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies affect individuals.It is most important that they:

Accepted Answer

A)  remain current about important findings related to CAM therapy outcomes. 
B)  be familiar with CAM information to help patients receive the latest treatments. 
C)  warn patients about the dangers of applying these therapies without first consulting their primary care provider. 
D)  recommend CAM therapies as often as possible, since many provide relief without the expense of traditionally prescribed medicines. A

Question 3

When a patient asks if SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) would be helpful for depression,a nurse responds most appropriately by stating:

Accepted Answer

A)  "The research findings have demonstrated conclusively that SAMe is an effective antidepressant treatment therapy." 
B)  "The few research findings we have demonstrate that SAMe is effective in the treatment of depression that is accompanied by anxiety." 
C)  "SAMe has been found to be effective in the treatment of mild depression in a few research studies, but the long-term effects are not known." 
D)  "SAMe is an element that may create harmful effects in the human body and so always requires strict monitoring by your health care provider." C

Question 4

A patient states,"My nurse practitioner performs therapeutic touch (TT) on me and it relaxes me but my partner said it's just the power of suggestion." Which response would be most therapeutic?

Accepted Answer

A)  "Recent studies have demonstrated that TT promotes healing and well-being, so it's reasonable to believe it relaxes you." 
B)  "I agree with your partner. The power of suggestion is a very powerful tool, so TT may make you feel more relaxed." 
C)  "TT cannot hurt you, so if you feel it helps relax you, I see no reason why you should not continue with the treatment." 
D)  "Your partner may not be very knowledgeable about current therapeutic nursing interventions. If you find TT helpful, that is what is important."

Question 5

When counseling a patient diagnosed with depression who is prescribed St.John's wort,which information would a nurse include in the patient's education plan?

Accepted Answer

A)  No research-based findings of drug interactions have been reported. 
B)  The introduction of the herb should be postponed for 24 hours after starting an antidepressant. 
C)  The herbal tea made with this herb can be taken along with a prescribed antidepressant. 
D)  Side effects such as dry mouth, photosensitivity, gastrointestinal symptoms, and dizziness can occur.

Question 6

Which patient statement is the best indication that a nurse's teaching concerning the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies has been effective?

Accepted Answer

A)  "I don't think these non-traditional treatments can help me at all." 
B)  "The latest studies show that kava-kava is as effective as some antidepressants." 
C)  "CAM therapies are often more expensive than traditional medical therapies." 
D)  "I'm going to discuss adding acupuncture to my depression treatment plan with my health care provider."

Question 7

Which modality would a nurse plan to implement to best facilitate the patient's capacity to implement mind-body interventions? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)  Hypnosis 
B)  Meditation 
C)  Reflexology 
D)  Music therapy 
E)  Electromagnets

Question 8

A nurse knows that the patient has an understanding of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies when the patient states: (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)  "I'm going to begin meditating since I've read that it may help my chronic depression." 
B)  "I want to use reflexology because I want to improve my focus and ability to concentrate." 
C)  "I want to try working with a chiropractor to see if I can experience better flexibility in my lower back." 
D)  "I think I will try the herbal medication that the clinic nurse is recommending for the management of mild depression." 
E)  "Massage therapy appears to have a similar long-term affect on chronic anxiety
Disorders as does medication therapy."

Question 9

A nurse should advise a patient taking the herb kava-kava in conjunction with central nervous system medications that it may:

Accepted Answer

A)  have addictive properties. 
B)  trigger asthmatic attacks. 
C)  cause fatal arrhythmias. 
D)  exacerbate depression.

Question 10

Which activity should a nurse suggest to a patient who asks,"What kind of exercise should I do to raise my mood?"

Accepted Answer

A)  Horseback riding four times per week 
B)  A game of softball three times per week 
C)  Weight lifting for 15 minutes twice per week 
D)  30 minutes on the stationary bike four times per week

Question 11

A patient shares with a nurse,"One of my friends says there's nothing wrong with my nerves that meditation can't cure.What do you think I should do when I get uptight and start worrying about something?" The nurse's best response is based on the fact that meditation:

Accepted Answer

A)  requires that the patient concentrate; anxiety would hinder the patient's ability to do that effectively. 
B)  is effective only when used effectively in combination with psychodynamic therapy. 
C)  has shown some benefits for generalized anxiety and panic disorder. 
D)  is usually only therapeutic for anxiety when paired with yoga.

Question 12

A patient with chronic depression asks a nurse whether light therapy should be considered as a possible treatment for the disorder.The nurse's response should be based on the knowledge that this form of therapy is best suited for:

Accepted Answer

A)  posttraumatic stress disorder. 
B)  seasonal affective disorder. 
C)  postpartum depression. 
D)  situational depression.

Question 13

Which of these patient statements would indicate an understanding of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)  "I read that melatonin can help some people sleep better." 
B)  "Ginkgo biloba is proven to help both my concentration and memory." 
C)  "I'm thinking of taking St. John's wort to eliminate my severe depression." 
D)  "I've heard that omega-3 fatty acids have some positive effects on depression." 
E)  "Herbals are produced and packaged under conditions similar to medications."

Question 14

A patient diagnosed with major depression asks a nurse if St.John's wort could be added to the drug being prescribed.The nurse's response should be:

Accepted Answer

A)  "I can't prescribe medication for you. You will need to discuss your interest in the herbal supplement with your prescribing doctor." 
B)  "Let's speak with your psychiatrist at your next appointment about trying St. John's wort. Your psychiatrist can decide whether you should try it." 
C)  "You know that the medicine you are on now appears to be working well for you. You shouldn't add herbal supplements unless you feel more depressed." 
D)  "Let's find some information on St. John's wort and how it interacts with the medicines you are now taking; then we can talk about it with your doctor."

Question 15

When asked about the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies,a nurse's best response is that CAM therapies usually:

Accepted Answer

A)  are readily available to most patients. 
B)  are more costly than conventional therapies. 
C)  produce a variety of psychological side effects. 
D)  are most effective when implemented for chronic conditions.

Question 16

A patient states,"One of my friends says it's possible to cure the fear of flying by using relaxation techniques.Do you think relaxation techniques would help my chronic depression?" What is a nurse's best response?

Accepted Answer

A)  "Let's discuss what research has proven concerning relaxation and its role in the management of chronic depression." 
B)  "Holistic therapies such as relaxation have been known to cure several types of phobias and anxiety-based disorders." 
C)  "You must realize that while phobias may respond well to relaxation therapy, it is not necessarily going to have the same effect on chronic depression." 
D)  "Holistic therapies such as relaxation have been found to be as effective as conventional treatments in treating a wide variety of anxiety disorders."

Question 17

What is the best nursing response when a patient asks,"What do you know about massage therapy? A friend of mine says it can be more helpful than antidepressants."

Accepted Answer

A)  "The research has shown that massage is very beneficial, so this is a good question for you to ask your doctor. Why not bring up the topic with your psychiatrist today during your visit?" 
B)  "While a few research studies indicate that massage will help relieve depression and anxiety, it's effective for only a short time, and no studies have compared massage with medication." 
C)  "I know very little, because there really is no current research available on the effectiveness of massage. However, many of these new therapies can do damage, so I wouldn't do it." 
D)  "I know very little, because there are few research findings on the effectiveness of massage. It certainly can't hurt, and it might help, so why not try it?"

Exam 30: Complementary and Alternative Therapies