Deck 7: Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Question 1

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

Answer 1

echinacea.

Question 2

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 2 to 3 weeks before surgery include (select all that apply)

A) garlic.
B) ginger.
C) feverfew.
D) echinacea.
E) ginkgo biloba.

Answer 2

garlic.
ginger.
feverfew.
ginkgo biloba.

Question 3

A patient with chronic headaches seeks treatment from a nurse trained in Healing Touch (HT). During the HT session, the nurse will

A) realign the patient's energy flow.
B) manipulate muscles and soft tissues.
C) apply pressure to body points where energy is obstructed.
D) passively move stressed joints through the range of motion.

Answer 3

realign the patient's energy flow.

Question 4

Which of these complementary and alternative therapies should the nurse suggest to a patient who has elevated triglyceride levels?

A) Fish oil
B) Milk thistle
C) Saw palmetto
D) Ginkgo biloba

Question 5

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

A) The patient obtains information about herbal therapies online.
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

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

Question 7

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

A) acupuncture.
B) aromatherapy.
C) St. John's wort.
D) magnetic therapy.

Question 8

After the charge nurse has completed orienting a new staff nurse, which action by the staff nurse indicates that further education about complementary and alternative therapy may be needed?

A) The new nurse massages the legs of a patient who has a left foot stasis ulcer.
B) The new nurse does a capillary blood glucose check for a patient taking aloe.
C) The new nurse suggests the use of acupressure to a patient with tension headaches.
D) The new nurse shows family members how to provide a hand massage to a patient.

Question 9

A patient who has a chronic foot wound tells the nurse about using herbal therapies to boost immune function rather than taking antibiotics. Which action should the nurse take first?

A) Instruct the patient about the rationale for antibiotic use to treat infection.
B) Remind the patient that the infection has not cleared with herbal treatment.
C) Determine how the patient would feel about using antibiotics in addition to herbal products.
D) Tell the patient that studies of herbal products indicate that they are not effective in treating infection.

Question 10

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) green tea.
B) acupuncture.
C) black cohosh.
D) chiropractic therapy.

Question 11

Which information will the nurse include when discussing the use of herbal remedies with a patient who uses a variety of herbs for health maintenance?

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