The patient pregnant with her first child reports that her ...

[torybrooks]

The patient pregnant with her first child reports that her husband wants her to visit a homeopath for help with her nausea and vomiting. The patient asks what the nurse's opinion of homeopathy is. The best response by the nurse is:
 
  1. Homeopathy is unproven and potentially dangerous. Avoid using homeopathic remedies.
  2. The FDA has approved homeopathic remedies, and practitioners undergo education and certification.
  3. I can't give you advice about what alternatives to try. Go online and do some research to get information.
  4. Homeopathy is the same as herbal remedies. Some are safe during pregnancy and some are not.

Question 2

A patient reports using homeopathic remedies to ease her back pain. In order to more fully explore the patient's use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), the nurse should ask:
 
  1. Will you tell me more about the homeopathic remedies you're using?
  2. Are you aware that some complementary and alternative therapies can be dangerous?
  3. Does your physician approve of your use of homeopathic remedies?
  4. Have you prioritized your need for comfort above your concern for your baby's health?

[moormoney]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Homeopathic remedies are not dangerous. Homeopathic remedies are FDA-approved and have been proven to be effective in treating a wide range of chronic and acute illnesses and conditions.
Rationale 2: Homeopathic remedies are FDA-approved and have been proven to be effective in treating a wide range of chronic and acute illnesses and conditions.
Rationale 3: It is appropriate for the nurse to provide factual information to educate a patient who has asked a question. Not all patients have access to computers, nor do they know how to do an internet search.
Rationale 4: Herbalism and homeopathy are not the same. Herbs are available in many stores and preparations; some have been proven to be dangerous during pregnancy. Homeopathy is a system of like curing like, in which the symptom being treated would be a symptom of taking too much of the substance in a non-homeopathic form.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: The nurse should ask direct, nonjudgmental questions when seeking to gain information about a patient's use of CAM.
Rationale 2: While tactful warnings regarding the use of CAM may be appropriate, the nurse should first explore the patient's use of CAM in a nonjudgmental manner.
Rationale 3: Patients may be reluctant to discuss their use of CAM with their healthcare providers; the nurse should explore the topic using nonjudgmental language.
Rationale 4: Additional information is needed in order to evaluate the patient's use of CAM, and the topic should be approached without use of disparaging comments.