Author Question: A client tells the nurse, I have been reading about using castor oil as a treatment for muscle ... (Read 23 times)

evelyn o bentley · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A client tells the nurse, I have been reading about using castor oil as a treatment for muscle cramping. Do you know anything about that? How should the nurse respond to this question?

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Why don't you ask the doctor about whether it works or not?
2. I think you take a tablespoon twice a day.
3. The castor oil should be warmed before use.
4. Soak a flannel cloth with the castor oil and apply it to your muscle.
5. You must wear gloves when handling castor oil.

Question 2

A client who suffers from frequent calf muscle cramping asks the nurse about using nonprescription capsaicin for pain relief. What information should the nurse provide this client?

1. Capsaicin is seldom effective in the treatment of cramping in calf muscles.
2. The client should plan to use the medication two times each day.
3. This medication should be taken with a full glass of water.
4. The client should wear gloves when handling this medication.

Harbringer · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3,4
Rationale 1: The nurse should be prepared to discuss pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical methods of symptom management, including complementary and alternative therapies. There is no reason to defer to the health care provider.
Rationale 2: Castor oil is used as a topical application when it is used for muscle cramping.
Rationale 3: Warming the castor oil has the added benefit of warming the muscle tissue, which helps to relieve discomfort.
Rationale 4: The flannel cloth absorbs the castor oil and holds it on the skin. The flannel also holds in the warmth of the oil.
Rationale 5: There is no indication that contact between castor oil and the hands is detrimental.
Global Rationale: Warming the castor oil has the added benefit of warming the muscle tissue, which helps to relieve discomfort. The flannel cloth absorbs the castor oil and holds it on the skin. The flannel also holds in the warmth of the oil. The nurse should be prepared to discuss pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical methods of symptom management, including complementary and alternative therapies. There is no reason to defer to the health care provider. Castor oil is used as a topical application when it is used for muscle cramping. There is no indication that contact between castor oil and the hands is detrimental.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: Capsaicin increases blood flow to the muscle and can be very effective in increasing mobility and reducing pain.
Rationale 2: To be most effective, the medication should be applied four times each day.
Rationale 3: Capsaicin for cramping is a topical ointment and is not taken orally.
Rationale 4: The medication can cause irritation to the tissues of the hands, so gloves should be worn.
Global Rationale: The medication can cause irritation to the tissues of the hands, so gloves should be worn. Capsaicin increases blood flow to the muscle and can be very effective in increasing mobility and reducing pain. To be most effective, the medication should be applied four times each day. Capsaicin for cramping is a topical ointment and is not taken orally.