NCLEX : Homeopathic and Alternative Medicine

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX

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Example Questions

Example Question #4 : Care

A patient is seeking an herbal solution that produces an effect similar to estrogen. What herb should the nurse suggest the patient investigate?
Possible Answers:
Black cohosh
Milk thistle
Cat's claw
Feverfew
Correct answer: Black cohosh
Explanation: Black cohosh produces effects similar to those of estrogen.

Example Question #5 : Care

The patient is curious about behavior therapy, and asks the nurse. The nurse would best describe behavior therapy as:
Possible Answers:
A therapy that makes use of a group dynamic
A therapy that makes use of relationships and personal connection
A therapy that achieves results through conditioning
A therapy that makes use of physical and social environments
Correct answer: A therapy that achieves results through conditioning
Explanation: Behavior therapy is a therapy that achieves results through conditioning. The therapy aims to reinforce desired behaviors and eliminated undesired behaviors.

Example Question #5 : Care

A patient is seeking an herbal solution that improves microcirculation in the eyes. What herb should the nurse suggest the patient investigate?
Possible Answers:
Aloe
Bilberry
Peppermint oil
DHEA
Correct answer: Bilberry
Explanation: Bilberry improves microcirculation in the eyes.

Example Question #1 : General Care

Which of the following herbs aids in wound healing when applied topically?

Possible Answers:

Hawthorne berry (crataegus ssp)

Red raspberry leaf (rubus idaeus)

Calendula flower (calendula officinalis)

Yellow dock (rumex crispus)

Correct answer:

Calendula flower (calendula officinalis)

Explanation:

Calendula flower contains faradiol and the faradiol monoester, powerful anti-inflammatory and antiedematous triterpenoids, which have shown effects comparable to indomethacin. Yellow dock is as a laxative. Red raspberry leaf is a vasodilator, and may exacerbate inflammation. Hawthorne berry can be used to ameliorate symptoms of congestive heart failure.

Example Question #1 : General Care

Which of the following herbs contains a compound similar to lovastatin?

Possible Answers:

Kava (piper methysticum)

Nettle (urtica dioica)

Red yeast rice (monascus purpureus)

Lavender (lavandula)

Correct answer:

Red yeast rice (monascus purpureus)

Explanation:

Red yeast rice contains monacolins, which block the production of cholesterol. Monacolin K has the same structure as lovastatin and functions similarly to reduce cholesterol. Nettle is best used as a painkiller, and to treat disorders of the excretory system. Kava is a sedative and anesthetic, and may also be used to treat social anxiety. Lavender has a calming effect, and is effective in inducing sleep.

 

Example Question #3 : General Care

Which is the most common homeopathic remedy for mild otitis media in a child that is weepy, clingy, and refuses fluids?

Possible Answers:

Sepia

Belladonna

Arsenicum album

Pulsatilla

Correct answer:

Pulsatilla

Explanation:

Pulsatilla is most often given for otitis media when the child is clingy, weepy, refuses fluids, and wants to be held or carried. They may be hot or sensitive to heat and desire fresh air. Belladonna may be used as a pain reliever, and and anti-inflammatory remedy. Arsenicum album is commonly used to treat anxiety and gastrointestinal inflammation. Sepia is most often used to treat female reproductive-related ailments.

Example Question #11 : Care

Which of the following hydrotherapy treatment might be most beneficial for a repetitive stress injury?

Possible Answers:

Hot fomentation

Infrared sauna

Warming socks

Hot and cold contrast therapy

Correct answer:

Hot and cold contrast therapy

Explanation:

Hot and cold contrast therapy consists of submerging the painful joint in hot water for 5-10 minutes, then submerging it in cold or icy water for 30 seconds, then back to hot for three cycles. This treatment reduces pain and inflammation and is common in sports medicine. Infrared saunas use radiation to heat the sauna, rather than typical saunas, which primarily use convection. Both are effective for pain relief and relaxation. Hot fomentation can be used to decrease swelling and provide relief from pain due to menstrual cramps. Warming socks are used as a hydrotherapy treatment to increase circulation and raise body temperature, which can help when fighting infection.

Example Question #12 : Care

Which of the following homeopathic remedy is indicated for acute urinary tract infection with intense dysuria and frank hematuria?

Possible Answers:

Medorrhinum

Cantharis

Bryonia

Calcarea carbonica

Correct answer:

Cantharis

Explanation:

Cantharis is indicated in urinary tract infections with frequency, dysuria, and frank hematuria. Patients may also experience flank or back pain, restlessness, and anxiety. Bryonia is used for pains associated with cold and flu. Medorrhinum has been used to treat urethral discharge in male patients with gonorrhea. Calcarea carbonica can be used to treat physical fatigue and muscle atrophy due to malnutrition and/or infections such as mononucleosis.

Example Question #13 : Care

Which of the following homeopathic remedy is most commonly indicated for post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis?

Possible Answers:

Apis

Natrum sulphuricum

Berberine

Palladium

Correct answer:

Apis

Explanation:

Apis is the most common remedy given for post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. The patient may be restless and heat intolerant. Other common symptoms are back pain worse in the area of the left kidney and pain or pressure on stooping. Berberine may be used for heart failure, skin burns, and some bacterial infections. Natrum sulphuricum is used to treat liver and gastrointestinal problems. Also, it may be used for headaches, and asthma. Palladium may be used for headaches too.

Example Question #14 : Care

Which of the following herbs has hypnotic (sleep-inducing) properties?

Possible Answers:

Chicory (cichorium intybus)

Licorice (glycyrrhiza glabra)

Passion flower (passiflora incarnata)

Goldenseal (hydrastis canadensis)

Correct answer:

Passion flower (passiflora incarnata)

Explanation:

Passion flower has been studied widely for its uses as a sleep aid. It is also anxiolytic, and has been used to treat abdominal pain and GI upset, arrhythmia and hypertension, and topically for burns and hemorrhoids. Note: passion flower is not safe in pregnancy as it may stimulate uterine contractions. Chicory can be used for its toxicity to internal parasites, namely intestinal worms. Goldenseal may be used as a remedy for the common cold and/or upper respiratory infections. Licorice may be used to treat inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

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