A nurse in a provider’s office is caring for a client who asks about using acupuncture to manage his osteoarthritis pain.
The nurse should identify which of the following conditions as a contraindication for receiving this treatment?
Hypertension.
Hypothyroidism.
Obesity.
Herpes zoster.
The Correct Answer is D
Answer and explanation.
The correct answer is choice D. Herpes zoster is a contraindication for receiving acupuncture treatment because it is an infectious skin disorder that can be transmitted by needles or contact with the affected area. Acupuncture should not be performed on areas of skin that are inflamed, ulcerated, or have sensory deficit.
Choice A is wrong because hypertension is not a contraindication for acupuncture. However, some caution is advised when needling points that may lower blood pressure, such as LI 4, LI 11, ST 36, and SP 6.
Choice B is wrong because hypothyroidism is not a contraindication for acupuncture. In fact, some studies suggest that acupuncture may have beneficial effects on thyroid function and symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Choice C is wrong because obesity is not a contraindication for acupuncture.
Acupuncture may help with weight loss by regulating appetite, metabolism, and hormones.
Some of the absolute contraindications for acupuncture include pregnancy (especially certain points that may induce labor or abortion), medical and surgical emergencies, malignant tumors, bleeding disorders, and use of a demand pacemaker. Some of the relative contraindications include drug or alcohol intoxication, lack of consent, immune deficiency, abnormal heart valves, and fear of needles.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are 120/80 mmHg or lower for systolic and diastolic pressure respectively.
Normal ranges for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) are 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L.
Normal ranges for body mass index (BMI) are 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A hematoma is a collection of blood outside a blood vessel that can cause swelling, pain, and bruising. It can indicate bleeding from the artery where the catheter was inserted, which can be a serious complication of cardiac catheterization.
The nurse should notify the provider immediately if a hematoma is observed.
Choice A is wrong because heart rate 90/min is within the normal range for adults and does not indicate a complication.
Choice C is wrong because bounding pulses in the affected extremity are expected after cardiac catheterization, as they indicate good blood flow to the area.
Choice D is wrong because report of discomfort at the insertion site is common and usually mild after cardiac catheterization.
The nurse can provide pain relief as needed, but does not need to notify the provider unless the pain is severe or persistent.
Normal ranges for heart rate are 60-100 beats per minute for adults. Normal ranges for blood pressure are 120/80 mmHg or lower for systolic pressure and 80 mmHg or lower for diastolic pressure. Normal ranges for oxygen saturation are 95-100% for adults.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Provide humidification of the room air. This is because humidification can help moisten the oral mucosa and reduce the discomfort of xerostomia. Xerostomia is a condition of dry mouth caused by reduced or absent saliva flow, which can occur after radiation therapy to the head and neck area.
Choice A is wrong because rinsing the mouth with an alcohol-based mouth wash can irritate the oral tissues and worsen xerostomia. Alcohol can also dehydrate the mouth and reduce saliva production.
Choice B is wrong because esophageal speech is a method of voice restoration after laryngectomy, not a treatment for xerostomia.
Esophageal speech involves swallowing air into the esophagus and releasing it to create sound.
It has nothing to do with saliva flow or dry mouth.
Choice C is wrong because saltine crackers are dry and hard to swallow without adequate saliva.
They can also scratch the oral mucosa and cause pain or bleeding. Offering the client saltine crackers between meals can aggravate xerostomia and increase the risk of choking.
Normal ranges for saliva flow vary depending on the method of measurement, but generally, a stimulated saliva flow rate of less than 0.7 mL/min or an unstimulated saliva flow rate of less than 0.1 mL/min is considered indicative of xerostomia.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today