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.