NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers Related

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The nurse is reviewing the hot/cold theory of health and illness. Which statement best describes the basic tenets of this theory?

  • A. The causation of illness is based on supernatural forces that influence the humors of the body.
  • B. Herbs and medicines are classified based on their physical characteristics of hot and cold and the humors of the body.
  • C. The four humors of the body consist of blood, yellow bile, black bile, and phlegm.
  • D. The treatment of disease consists of adding or subtracting cold, heat, dryness, or wetness to restore the balance of the humors of the body.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The hot/cold theory of health and illness is based on the four humors of the body: blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile. These humors regulate the basic bodily functions, described in terms of temperature, dryness, and moisture. The treatment of disease in this theory involves adding or subtracting cold, heat, dryness, or wetness to restore the balance of the humors. Choice A is incorrect as the theory is not based on supernatural forces but on the balance of bodily humors. Choice B is incorrect as herbs and medicines are not classified solely based on their physical characteristics of hot and cold in this theory. Choice C is incorrect as the four humors are blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile, not spiritual connectedness or social aspects. Therefore, the correct choice is D, as it accurately reflects a foundational tenet of the hot/cold theory of health and illness.