Chapter 036
Chapter 036
Test Bank
Chapter 36: Complementary and Alternative Therapies
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. In selecting alternative therapies, the nurse recognizes that therapeutic touch may be most
effective with a:
1. Premature infant
2. Headache sufferer
3. Pregnant woman
4. Psychiatric client
ANS: 2
Studies have found that therapeutic touch is effective in reducing headache pain. Clients
such as premature infants, who are sensitive to energy repatterning, may need to avoid
therapeutic touch. Clients such as pregnant women, who are sensitive to energy
repatterning, may need to avoid therapeutic touch. Persons who are sensitive to human
interaction and touch (e.g., those who have been physically abused or have psychiatric
disorders) may misinterpret the intent of the treatment and may feel threatened and
anxious by the treatment.
DIF: A
REF: 779
OBJ: Comprehension
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care &
Comfort/Complementary and Alternative Therapies
2. The nurse is preparing a presentation on alternative therapies for a community group. The
nurse should identify that herbal therapies are:
1. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration, under the Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act
2. Sold as medicines in most stores because they lack major side effects
3. Allowed to be packaged as dietary supplements if they are without health claims
4. Consistent in their standards for concentrations of major ingredients and additives
ANS: 3
The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act passed in 1994 allows herbs to be sold
as dietary supplements if there are no health claims written on their labels. Herbal
medicines have not undergone the same rigorous testing as pharmaceuticals have;
therefore the majority have not received approval for use as drugs. Many herbal
medicines are sold as foods or food supplements in health food stores and through private
companies because they do not have FDA approval to be sold as a drug. When herbal
medicines are developed, concentrations of the active ingredients have been found to
vary considerably. Not all companies follow strict quality control and manufacturing
guidelines, which set standards for acceptable levels of pesticides, residual solvents,
bacterial levels, and heavy metals.
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Test Bank
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DIF: A
REF: 781
OBJ: Comprehension
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care &
Comfort/Complementary and Alternative Therapies
3. The client asks the nurse about different herbal therapies that may promote physical
endurance and reduce stress. Based on the clients request, the nurse provides information
on:
1. Ginseng
2. Ginger
3. Echinacea
4. Chamomile
ANS: 1
Ginseng is believed to have an effect of increased physical endurance, balancing of the
body, and increasing resistance to stress. Ginger is known for its effect as an antiemetic.
Echinacea is known for stimulation of the immune system and as an antiinflammatory
and antibacterial agent. Chamomile is believed to have an antiinflammatory,
antispasmodic, and antiinfective effect.
DIF: A
REF: 782
OBJ: Comprehension
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care &
Comfort/Complementary and Alternative Therapies
4. The nurse recognizes that which one of the following statements is correct concerning
complementary and alternative medicine?
1. One third to one half of the U.S. population uses one or more forms of alternative
therapy.
2. Insurance coverage is available at the same amount as for traditional medicine.
3. Use of alternative therapies is still not incorporated into medical journals.
4. Use of alternative therapies is primarily by those who are less educated or in a
lower socioeconomic group.
ANS: 1
Between one third and one half of the population in the United States uses one or more
forms of complementary or alternative medicine. Insurance coverage of complementary
and alternative medicine is increasing, but it is not available at the same amount as for
traditional medicine. The interest in complementary and alternative medicine is evident
in the increased number of articles about it in respected medical journals and the
development of several journals that specifically focus on complementary and alternative
medicine. Typically those who use alternative therapies are professional, well-educated,
and from a higher socioeconomic standing.
DIF: A
REF: 772
OBJ: Comprehension
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care &
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36-4
7. In selecting an appropriate alternative therapy, the nurse knows that the client who has
Raynauds disease with intermittent peripheral ischemia may benefit the most from:
1. Relaxation therapy
2. Imagery
3. Biofeedback
4. Acupuncture
ANS: 3
Biofeedback techniques are used to assist individuals in learning how to control specific
autonomic nervous system responses. With Raynauds disease, clients experience
intermittent vasospastic attacks of small arteries and arterioles of the hands (most
commonly) and/or the feet. Biofeedback can be used to control this autonomic response.
Relaxation therapy is not the best selection of an alternative therapy for the client with
Raynauds disease. Imagery has not been proven to help the client with Raynauds
disease. Acupuncture is not the best selection of an alternative therapy for the client with
Raynauds disease. Acupuncture is more frequently used to treat pain.
DIF: A
REF: 778
OBJ: Comprehension
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care &
Comfort/Complementary and Alternative Therapies
8. A nurse needs to be alert to possible negative responses to biobehavioral therapies.
Clients who have reacted negatively have most often experienced:
1. Aggressive behaviors
2. Delusions
3. Insomnia
4. Loss-of-control sensations
ANS: 4
A person who has a strong fear of losing control, or who has experienced sensations of
loss of control, may perceive meditation as a form of mind control and thus may be
resistant to learning the technique. Some clients may uncover repressed emotions or
feelings they cannot cope with during relaxation and/or biofeedback sessions. A benefit
of most biobehavioral therapies, such as meditation, is that it lowers irritability.
Aggression is an unlikely response. Delusions are not a result of biobehavioral therapies.
Many biobehavioral therapies, such as meditation, reduce insomnia.
DIF: A
REF: 777
OBJ: Comprehension
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care &
Comfort/Complementary and Alternative Therapies
9. A practitioner or client who uses traditional Chinese medicine bases the therapy on the
primary concept of:
1. Yin/yang
2. Meridians
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Chaparral is an herb used for an anticancer effect. It has no proven efficacy and may
induce severe liver toxicity. There are no contraindications for taking chaparral with
coffee or other caffeinated beverages. Ephedra should be avoided with the consumption
of caffeine. Chaparral does not induce veno-occlusive disease. However, comfrey may do
so. Chaparral is not known to contain a carcinogenic substance. Sassafras and calamus
may contain a carcinogenic substance.
DIF: A
REF: 783
OBJ: Comprehension
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care &
Comfort/Complementary and Alternative Therapies
14. The nurses most informed response to the clients question What is a complementary
therapy? would be:
1. Relaxation is an example of a complementary therapy.
2. It is any intervention that increases your ability to cope with illness.
3. Massage therapy is complementary to muscle relaxant medications.
4. They are therapies that are used in addition to what your PCP orders.
ANS: 4
Complementary therapies are those therapies used in addition to conventional treatment
recommended by the persons health care provider. The remaining options, while
providing examples, do not thoroughly define the term for the client.
DIF: C
REF: 772
OBJ: Analysis
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care &
Comfort/Complementary and Alternative Therapies
15. The client asks Is there anything else we can do to help control my pain? The nurses
most informed suggestion concerning complementary therapies is:
1. Massage therapy may help you; it certainly helped me.
2. Most complementary therapies will help decrease your pain.
3. Have you ever thought about seeing a chiropractor? Manipulation often helps
decrease pain.
4. Acupressure uses appropriately applied pressure to specific body points, thus
decreasing pain.
ANS: 4
Acupressure is a therapeutic technique of applying digital pressure in a specified way on
designated points on the body to relieve pain, produce analgesia, or regulate a body
function. The remaining options make assumptions concerning the origin of the pain and
may suggest inappropriate therapies. It is also inappropriate to include such a personal
comment as to refer to ones own pain.
DIF: C
REF: 773
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
OBJ: Analysis
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Test Bank
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DIF: C
REF: 777
OBJ: Analysis
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care &
Comfort/Complementary and Alternative Therapies
21. A nurse and client are engaged in imagery training. The nurse shows the best
understanding of the importance of selecting an appropriate focus when stating:
1. Lets discuss how to select todays focus.
2. Todays focus will be auditory rather than visual.
3. What do you find to be most effective as your focus?
4. Review this list and select a focus for todays session.
ANS: 3
People typically respond to their environment according to the way they perceive it, as
well as by their own visualizations and expectancies. Therefore individuals learn to
regulate themselves by selecting appropriate visualizations and expectations. The
remaining options do not allow the client to control the selection process.
DIF: C
REF: 778
OBJ: Analysis
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care &
Comfort/Complementary and Alternative Therapies
22. Acupuncture is contraindicated for which of the following clients?
1. A 72-year-old asthmatic
2. A 10-year-old hemophiliac
3. A 23-year-old with Crohns disease
4. A 40-year-old who is clinically depressed
ANS: 2
This treatment is contraindicated in persons who have bleeding disorders,
thrombocytopenia, or skin infections or who have a fear of needles. The remaining
options represent individuals who may experience benefit from the therapy.
DIF: C
REF: 781
OBJ: Analysis
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care &
Comfort/Complementary and Alternative Therapies
23. A client undergoing chemotherapy treatment for lung cancer drinks ginger tea to help
manage the resulting nausea. Which of the following medications should the nurse review
for interactions?
1. Loop diuretics
2. Anticoagulants
3. Antidepressants
4. Antihypertensives
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Test Bank
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ANS: 2
Ginger interacts with warfarin and other blood thinners, aspirin, and NSAIDs. The
remaining options reflect interactions with chamomile, aloe, and licorice.
DIF: A
REF: 782
OBJ: Comprehension
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care &
Comfort/Complementary and Alternative Therapies
24. Which of the following statements made by a nurse shows the most appropriate
understanding of skin hunger?
1. For skin to be healthy, it must be fed.
2. Being touched is as important as being fed.
3. Touch provides emotional comfort to a client.
4. Skin requires adequate nutrients and hydration.
ANS: 1
Touch is a primal need, as necessary as food, growth, or shelter. Think of touch as a
nutrient transmitted through the skin and skin hunger as a form of malnutrition that has
reached epidemic proportions in the United States, especially among older adults. While
the remaining options are not incorrect, they do not express the most appropriate
appreciation for the need of human touch.
DIF: C
REF: 779
OBJ: Analysis
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care &
Comfort/Complementary and Alternative Therapies
25. Which of the following nursing statements best reflects the most therapeutic intervention
regarding the clients need for human touch?
1. I always ask my clients if they need a hug.
2. It is important to use a light touch when giving a bath.
3. I offer my clients a backrub whenever giving them bedtime care.
4. When I meet a client for the first time, I always try to shake his or her hand.
ANS: 3
Touch is a primal need, as necessary as food, growth, or shelter. This answer provides the
most appropriate manner in which a nurse can provide touch from among the options.
DIF: C
REF: 779
OBJ: Analysis
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care &
Comfort/Complementary and Alternative Therapies
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Test Bank
36-12
26. The nurse is discussing the importance of human touch with the family of a comatose
client. The daughter states I love my mother but I find it so hard to touch her when shes
like this. Which of the following nursing statements reflects the most therapeutic
response?
1. Maybe it will get easier each time you touch her.
2. Touch is a human need, just like food, so please try.
3. Do you think it would be more comfortable to try washing her face and hands?
4. Your mother certainly wouldnt want you to do something that you find so
difficult.
ANS: 3
Touch is a primal need, as necessary as food, growth, or shelter. This answer is the only
option that attempted to provide an acceptable solution for the family members problem.
DIF: C
REF: 779
OBJ: Analysis
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care &
Comfort/Complementary and Alternative Therapies
27. A client diagnosed with osteoarthritis has been practicing tai chi regularly. Which of the
following statements best shows the clients understanding of the value of this
complementary therapy?
1. It is a great way to socialize and exercise at the same time.
2. I dont like to exercise, but Tai Chi doesnt seem like exercise.
3. The moves are so beautiful, and I feel so graceful when I practice them.
4. The gentle, slow movements exercise my joints without straining them.
ANS: 4
Tai chi incorporates breathing; gentle, flowing movements; and meditation to cleanse,
strengthen, and circulate vital life energy and blood. Therapy stimulates the immune
system and maintains external and internal balance.
DIF: C
REF: 773
OBJ: Analysis
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care &
Comfort/Complementary and Alternative Therapies
28. A client is discussing his use of biofeedback. Which of the following client statements
shows the best understanding of success?
1. I have set aside one hour a day for practice.
2. My appointments are very important; I keep them all.
3. I find it empowering that I can do something to help myself.
4. Goals are important; setting them gives me something to work toward.
ANS: 3
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Test Bank
36-13
Clients who are compliant with appointments, practice times, and goal setting and
basically take responsibility for their treatment tend to be the most successful since it
provides a sense of control over the situation. The remaining options identify individual
aspects of that control.
DIF: C
REF: 779
OBJ: Analysis
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care &
Comfort/Complementary and Alternative Therapies
29. A client recently experienced the loss of their significant other and has symptoms of
distress. In selecting a complementary therapy, the nurse knows that the client may
benefit the most from:
1. Relaxation therapy
2. Acupuncture
3. Feldenkrais method
4. Chiropractic medicine
ANS: 1
Relaxation techniques effectively reduces symptoms of distress in persons experiencing a
variety of situations by giving them some control over their lives. An alternative method
of producing analgesia. An alternative therapy based on body movements. An alternative
therapy focused on restoring structural and functional imbalances.
DIF: A
REF: 772
OBJ: Knowledge
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Psychosocial Integrity/Grief and Loss
30. In gathering information for the admission data base, the nurse discovers that a client
who was admitted to the hospital for a total hip replacement has been taking ginkgo
biloba to help with their memory. The nurse knows that this may cause an interaction
with which of the medications that will likely be ordered for the client?
1. Morphine sulfate
2. Warfarin
3. Docusate sodium
4. Docusate sodium
ANS: 2
Increases the risk of bleeding.
DIF: A
REF: 773
OBJ: Knowledge
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Physiological Integrity/Pharmacological and
Parenteral Therapies
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Test Bank
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31. An elderly client in a nursing home describes to the nurse that they are lonely. Based on
this information, the nurse believes the patient may benefit from which of the following
complementary therapies?
1. Therapeutic Touch
2. Chinese medicine
3. Dance therapy
4. Guided imagery
ANS: 1
Touch helps enhance self-esteem and sense of worth.
DIF: A
REF: 775
OBJ: Knowledge
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Psychosocial Integrity/Behavioral Interventions
32. A client seeking care for stress tells the nurse that he is interested in seeking holistic care
that incorporates body, mind, and spirit. The nurse knows that which of the following
CAM therapies may be beneficial to him?
1. Chiropractic medicine
2. Chinese medicine
3. European phytomedicine
4. Allopathic medicine
ANS: 2
Includes many modalities including acupuncture, herbs, touch, moxibustion, and qigong.
Physiotherapy by manipulation of spinal column. Herbal medicine. Traditional western
medicine focusing on physical ailments.
DIF: A
REF: 776
OBJ: Knowledge
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Psychosocial Integrity/Behavioral Interventions
33. Nurses who are interested in practicing CAM therapy can, with minimum preparation,
incorporate which of the following into their nursing practice?
1. Biofeedback
2. Ayurveda
3. Therapeutic Touch
4. Acupressure
ANS: 3
Therapeutic Touch is the laying of hands on a clients body. Biofeedback requires
advanced preparation and the use of instruments. Ayurveda is a traditional Hindu system
of medicine. Acupressure, a Chinese method of producing analgesia, requires advanced
preparation.
DIF: A
REF: 782
OBJ: Knowledge
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care and Comfort
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Test Bank
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34. The nurse notes that the clients blood pressure is substantially higher than it was on their
last annual checkup. On questioning, the nurse learns that the client has been taking
herbal therapy. The nurse understand that which of the following herbs is a central
nervous stimulant that can cause a rise in blood pressure?
1. Calamus
2. Ginseng
3. Feverfew
4. Ephedra
ANS: 4
Ephedra is a central nervous stimulant.
DIF: A
REF: 784
OBJ: Knowledge
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Physiological Integrity/Pharmacological and
Parenteral Therapies
MULTIPLE RESPONSE
1. The nurses most informed response to a clients question concerning what allopathic
medicine (Western medicine) is least effective at dealing with should include: (Select all
that apply.)
1. Managing stress
2. Disease prevention
3. Treating chronic illness
4. Meeting emotional needs
5. Curing bacterial infection
6. Treating acute emergencies
ANS: 1, 2, 3, 4
Allopathic medicine is effect in dealing with the management of bacterial infections and
treating acute emergencies, while the remaining options represent conditions that are not
as effectively managed.
DIF: A
REF: 772
OBJ: Comprehension
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care &
Comfort/Complementary and Alternative Therapies
2. When discussing complementary medical therapies with a client, a nurse should include:
(Select all that apply.)
1. Herbalism
2. Hypnotherapy
3. Guided imagery
4. Therapeutic touch
5. Respiratory therapy
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Test Bank
36-16
6. Chiropractic therapy
ANS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
Complementary therapies include therapeutic touch, guided imagery and breath work,
relaxation; exercise; massage; reflexology; prayer; biofeedback; hypnotherapy; creative
therapies, including art, music, or dance therapy; meditation; chiropractic therapy;
osteopathy; and herbalism. Respiratory therapy is not considered a complementary
therapy.
DIF: A
REF: 773
OBJ: Comprehension
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care &
Comfort/Complementary and Alternative Therapies
3. Which of the following objective assessment findings are likely to be seen in clients who
have successfully implemented relaxation techniques? (Select all that apply.)
1. Slower respirations
2. Lower blood sugar levels
3. Decreased heart rate
4. Lower blood pressure
5. Decreased deep reflexes
6. Warmer skin temperature
ANS: 1, 3, 4, 6
Decreased heart and respiratory rates, decreased blood pressure and oxygen consumption,
and increased alpha brain activity and peripheral skin temperature characterize the
relaxation response. The remaining options are not typical characteristics of the relaxed
state.
DIF: A
REF: 783
OBJ: Comprehension
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care &
Comfort/Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Mosby items and derived items 2009, 2005 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.