NCLEX : Homeopathic and Alternative Medicine

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Homeopathic And Alternative Medicine

Which of the following mind-body practice has been shown to increase both T-cells and natural killer cells?

Possible Answers:

Yoga

Music therapy

Meditation

All of these

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

All of these mind-body therapies have been shown to increase the activity of natural killer cells and cytotoxic T cells. 

Example Question #61 : Ethics, Processing, And Care

Which is the most common homeopathic remedy for acute otitis media which starts suddenly, where the tympanic membrane is hot and bright red and the child is restless and anxious?

Possible Answers:

Natrum muriaticum

Pulsatilla

Belladonna

Sulphur

Correct answer:

Belladonna

Explanation:

Belladonna is the most frequently given remedy when otitis media is sudden onset, bright red and hot, and the child is restless and may be confused, anxious, or frightened. Pulsatilla is used to treat reproductive pain in both men and women, and for migraines. Natrum muriaticum is more effective as a remedy for chronic, not acute, disorders. Sulphur is most effectively used on the skin and eyes to treat irritation.

Example Question #11 : General Care

Which is the most common homeopathic remedy for acute gastroenteritis (food poisoning)?

Possible Answers:

Arsenicum album

Belladonna

Platinum

Graphites

Correct answer:

Arsenicum album

Explanation:

Arsenicum album is the most common remedy given for acute gastroenteritis with vomiting and diarrhea, especially when diarrhea and vomiting happen simultaneously, diarrhea is in small amounts constantly throughout the day, and the affected person is experiencing chilliness and marked tenderness in the abdomen. Graphites are most commonly used to treat skin disorders. Platinum is used to treat a range of psychological and physiological aspects of women's health. Belladonna may be used as a pain reliever, and and anti-inflammatory remedy.

Example Question #11 : Care

Which of the following herb has been used effectively to decrease both candida overgrowth (thrush, vaginitis, and dysbiosis) and Epstein-Barr virus infection?

Possible Answers:

Red yeast rice (monascus purpureus)

Licorice (glycyrrhiza glabra)

Milk thistle (silybum marianum)

Berberine (found in Oregon grape and goldenseal)

Correct answer:

Berberine (found in Oregon grape and goldenseal)

Explanation:

Berberine has been used alone and in conjunction with fluconazole to successfully treat fluconazole-resistant candida infections. It has also been shown to have an inhibitory effect on Epstein-Barr DNA replication. Red yeast rice may be used to lower cholesterol. Glycyrrhiza glabra can be used to decrease inflammation, and cough, and to promote ulcer-healing. Milk thistle is used as a remedy for hepatic disorders.

Example Question #62 : Ethics, Processing, And Care

Which is the most common homeopathic remedy for any kind of blunt trauma followed by a state of dullness and shock?

Possible Answers:

Arnica

Cimicifuga

Nux vomica

Pulsatilla

Correct answer:

Arnica

Explanation:

Arnica, a herbaceous plant, is the remedy most often used for states of shock after an injury, during which the injured person may refuse medical help due to fear of further injury. Pulsatilla is a plant that may be used for pain in the reproductive organs, restlessness, and other ailments. Nux vomica seeds may be used for gastrointestinal discomfort, anemia and erectile dysfunction. Cimicifuga is a plant that may be used to alleviate neurological disorders.

Example Question #11 : Homeopathic And Alternative Medicine

Which of the following herbs can block Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors and decrease peripheral conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3)? 

Possible Answers:

Zea mays (cornsilk) and sambucus nigra (elderberry)

Panax ginseng and symphytum officinale (comfrey)

Berberis vulgaris (barberry) and apium graveolens (celery)

Lycopus virginicus (bugleweed) and melissa officionalis (lemon balm)

Correct answer:

Lycopus virginicus (bugleweed) and melissa officionalis (lemon balm)

Explanation:

Lycopus virginicus (bugleweed) and melissa officionalis (lemon balm) have both been shown to inhibit conversion of T4 into T3 in the peripheral tissues, and have been used to treat mild cases of hyperthyroidism. The other herbs listed have no specific effect on peripheral thyroid hormone conversion. Berberis vulgaris is used to treat respiratory conditions, and infections such as the cold and flu. Apium graveolens has been used to treat pain. Panax ginseng has been used as a stimulant, and to treat sexual dysfunction in men. Symphytum officinale has been used to treat gout, and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Zea mays may help treatment of skin diseases. Sambucus nigra is best used to treat upper respiratory infections.

Example Question #21 : Care

Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) leaf is used for all of the following except __________.

Possible Answers:

Psoriasis

Allergic rhinitis

Nutritional support

Anti-inflammation

Correct answer:

Psoriasis

Explanation:

Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) leaf extract contains antagonists of the histamine-1 (H(1)) receptor, thus decreasing symptoms of allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. Nettle leaf extract also contains factors that inhibit mast cell tryptase, preventing degranulation and release of a host of pro-inflammatory mediators that cause the symptoms of hay fevers, and inhibits cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and hematopoietic prostaglandin D(2) synthase. As a nutritive, nettle leaf is an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium. Nettle leaf has shown no benefit in treatment of psoriasis, though it may help to correct any underlying nutritional deficits.

Example Question #22 : Care

Which botanical is known for its antiviral/antiretroviral activity?

Possible Answers:

Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort)

Crategus spp (hawthorne)

Melissa officinalis (lemon balm)

Avena sativa (milky oat seeds)

Correct answer:

Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort)

Explanation:

Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort) has shown significant antiviral activity against a wide variety of of enveloped viruses and retroviruses. Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) and avena sativa (milky oat seeds) are both better known for their sedative effects, and crategus spp (hawthorne) is used as an antiarrhythmic and mitigates oxidative stress in cardiomyopathies.

Example Question #21 : General Care

What anti-microbial constituent makes Arctostaphylos uva-ursi useful for treating urinary tract infections?

Possible Answers:

Flavanoids

None of these; this herb is not used for urinary tract infections

Hydroquinone glycosides

Tannins

Correct answer:

Hydroquinone glycosides

Explanation:

Uva-ursi contains the hydroquinone glycosides arbutin and methylarbutin, both of which have shown significant antimicrobial effects in the urinary tract. The other constituents listed have no effect on urinary infections.

Example Question #22 : General Care

Which of the following homeopathic remedy is indicated for irritable, colicky infants who cry frequently and arch their back and who are only soothed by bouncing or pressure (such as swaddling)?

Possible Answers:

Calcarea carbonica

Arnica

Arsenicum album

Chamomilla

Correct answer:

Chamomilla

Explanation:

Children needing chamomilla are hot, irritable, and very sensitive to pain. Infants are prone to colic and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). They will often arch backwards when crying, and will be soothed when bounced, carried, patted, or swaddled. These infants experience difficult dentition and will chew their fingers before teething.

Arsenicum album and calcarea carbonica are both more often indicated for chilly babies that are prone to anxiety, while arnica is generally given for people who have experienced some sort of dissociative shock from a physical or emotional trauma.

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