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.
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A client is seen in the clinic regarding chronic lower back pain. The client asks the nurse if treatment by a chiropractor might alleviate some of the client's discomfort. What information should the nurse include in the response?
- A. This type of complementary therapy applies pressure to the feet and hands not the back.
- B. This type of therapy applies force to a specific area to improve circulation and relieve discomfort.
- C. Chiropractors manipulate the spine as a method for curing neuromuscular disorders.
- D. Chiropractors work by channeling universal energy to relieve a client's discomfort.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: According to chiropractic theory, misalignment of the spinal vertebrae changes activities of nerves that control body functions in distant organs. This may lead to diseases. Spinal manipulation treats the disorders by correcting the alignment of the vertebrae. Chiropractic therapy treats not only the feet and hands but also the back. Massage improves circulation, but this is not the main job of the chiropractor. Channeling universal energy happens in Reiki, not with a chiropractor.
Which nursing comment would best describe the conventional medical system to a client?
- A. Focus is on treating illness or injury.
- B. Sensitive to cultural traditions
- C. Health results from harmony between person and universe.
- D. Approach is based on traditional use.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Conventional medical systems are based on scientific approach for treating illness or injury. Alternative medical systems are sensitive to cultural traditions, harmony between person and universe, and focus on maintaining a healthy state.
A nurse is providing care to a client recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. The client asks the nurse about integrative medicine. Which statement should the nurse include in response to the client?
- A. Integrative medicine has not been found to be effective in the treatment of disease.
- B. Integrative medicine is a combination of conventional medical practice with nontraditional physical and nonphysical approaches to treatment.
- C. Integrative medicine is a nonorthodox treatment method with no proven basis for effectiveness at promoting health.
- D. Integrative medicine promotes exclusive use of herbal and other dietary supplements to treat disease.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Integrative medicine is a combination of conventional medical practice with nontraditional physical and nonphysical approaches to treatment for which there is some scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness. It is not exclusively conventional medical practices or alternative therapies. It is not true that integrative medicine has been found to be ineffective in the treatment of diseases. Alternative therapies, not integrative medicine, are nonorthodox treatment methods that have no proven basis for effectiveness at promoting health. Integrative medicine does not promote exclusive use of herbal and other dietary supplements to treat disease.
The nurse is concerned when the prothrombin time (PT) for a client receiving warfarin is fluctuating beyond normal range. The client also takes several herbal supplements. The nurse suspects which supplement to be the cause of this elevation?
- A. Garlic
- B. Saw palmetto
- C. Kava
- D. Capsicum
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Combining garlic with other anticoagulants can prolong bleeding. Saw palmetto is used to treat enlarged prostate and has no effects on bleeding. Kava is used to treat anxiety and stress and does not affect bleeding. Capsicum is used to relieve neuralgic and bladder pain, and as an antipruritic for psoriasis.
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.
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