Nokea
A client, who is taking a variety of herbal preparations, makes the following comment to the nurse: 'Herbs are natural products and therefore safe.' Which is the best response by the nurse?
- A. Just because a product is natural does not mean safe.
- B. If the manufacturer is reputable, the product is considered safe.
- C. Many herbs are safe, but serious effects can occur if mixed with prescribed drugs.
- D. The chemicals used when growing herbs can prove to be poisonous or toxic to people.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Herbal therapy is one of the greatest risk factors for adverse effects when combined with other conventional treatment such as drugs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not regulate herbals making natural not necessarily safe. The use of reputable manufacturers should be considered but again not a guarantee for safety. The process of growing and harvesting herbs is not regulated.
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In which of the following therapies is it believed that the practitioner gathers knowledge about the disease and its cure from a higher power?
- A. Herbal therapy
- B. Ayurveda
- C. Native American/First Nations system
- D. Chinese medicine
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the Native American/First Nations system of medicine, the shaman or medicine man or woman goes into a trance and communicates with a higher power to gather knowledge about the disease and its remedy. Herbal therapy uses herbs with medicinal value, and Ayurveda and Chinese medicine do not involve shamans and such spiritual practices.
Which statement by the nurse best supports an understanding of complementary and/or alternative therapies in the treatment of clients?
- A. Alternative therapies are mainstay to conventional medical care.
- B. Complementary therapies should be avoided in advanced disease.
- C. Complementary therapies are evidence-based in theory.
- D. Alternative and complementary therapies are sensitive to culture and tradition.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Complementary and alternative therapies are sensitive to culture and tradition and can be used in conjunction with, or independent of, conventional therapies. In advanced disease processes, complementary therapies can assist with comfort measures for the client.
The client is presently taking a multivitamin and is considering adding a supplement with extra vitamin A to promote eye health. Which is the best response by the nurse?
- A. Why do you feel the need to take vitamins?
- B. Let's review the vitamin containers together.
- C. Some vitamins can have toxic effects.
- D. Are you experiencing problems with your sight?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Reviewing the vitamin containers will provide the nurse and client with information on the dosages and whether they fall within the RDA. This can also provide an opportunity for further teaching. Asking the client why they feel the need to take vitamins is not the best response because it can imply that the client has made a wrong decision to take vitamins. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 was passed to 'preserve the consumer's right to choose dietary supplements.' Some vitamins do have toxic effects, including Vitamin A, which is why the best response is for the nurse to review the bottles with the client. Then the nurse can see if the dosage is appropriate or not. Although Vitamin A is associated with improved vision, asking if the client is experiencing vision problems is not the best response.
A client is taking ginkgo to improve memory. In the teaching plan regarding this herb, the nurse should include which of the following?
- A. It may raise blood pressure.
- B. Avoid this herb if allergic to plants.
- C. There is a possible sensitivity to light.
- D. Use caution if taking aspirin.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Clients should be advised to use caution if taking aspirin in conjunction with gingko. Ginseng may raise blood pressure. Clients allergic to plants in the daisy family should avoid echinacea. Taking St. John's wort may cause sensitivity to light.
Which of the following is an important benefit of incorporating laughter therapeutically?
- A. Increases cortisol levels
- B. Increases the number of white blood cells
- C. Blocks the release of endorphins
- D. Suppresses the immune system
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Laughter stimulates the immune system by increasing the number of white blood cells and lowering cortisol, which suppresses immune function.