Which key information can the nurse provide to the client regarding the health-related benefits of herbals and botanicals? Select all that apply.
- A. Certain herbs can interact with prescription drugs.
- B. No one should take herbs while acutely ill.
- C. Herbs can mimic disease symptoms.
- D. Not all herbs are safe.
- E. Herbs are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
- F. Only natural herbs are safe.
Correct Answer: A,D
Rationale: Herbal therapy is one of the greatest risk factors for adverse effects when combined with other conventional drugs. Some herbs have been placed on the 'unsafe' list due to known impurities and adverse effects, even though all herbs are considered natural. Herbs can be used to treat some acute illnesses. Herbal therapy is not regulated by the FDA.
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Following antibiotic treatment, a client has developed diarrhea. Which is an appropriate complementary treatment for this client?
- A. Prebiotic
- B. Ethnobotanical
- C. Probiotic
- D. Peppermint oil
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Probiotics are microorganisms that exert beneficial health effects, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium infantis, which can lower the frequency or duration of diarrhea. Prebiotics include nondigestible food ingredients such as dietary fiber that enhance or maintain the growth of probiotic intestinal bacteria. Peppermint, a botanical oil, is helpful in decreasing nausea. Ethnobotanicals are plants that grow in a region where specific groups of people live and are used for food, clothing, shelter, and medicine.
Proponents of which type of complementary health practice believe that reprogramming the neural reflex improves the body's ability to facilitate natural healing?
- A. Shiatsu
- B. Reflexology
- C. Yoga
- D. Chiropractic
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Reflexologists believe that reconditioning or reprogramming the neural reflex improves the body's ability to facilitate natural healing. Yoga, shiatsu, and chiropractic do not use this type of healing.
What is the primary reason the nurse needs to ascertain client use of vitamins and minerals and the dosage of each?
- A. Intake of vitamins and minerals through diet is more beneficial.
- B. Vitamin and minerals should be used as a complementary therapy.
- C. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) may vary with special populations.
- D. Vitamins and minerals are purchased over-the-counter (OTC)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Special populations (such as pregnant women, elderly, and people with certain medical problems) may have different RDA requirements and levels for toxicity. It is true that vitamins and minerals obtained through diet are more beneficial, that they should be used as a complementary therapy, and that they are purchased OTC, but none are the primary reason for accurate information collection.
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.
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.
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