A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a parent of a 4-month-old infant during a home visit.

Which of the following statements by the parent indicates an understanding of the teaching?

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.

The correct answer is choice C. Blow into the meter as hard and quickly as possible.

This is because a peak flow meter measures how fast you can push air out of your lungs when you blow out as hard and as fast as you can.

This is called peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) or peak expiratory flow (PEF). It shows how open the airways are in the lungs and can help detect early signs of worsening asthma.

Choice A is wrong because maintaining a semi-Fowler’s position during testing is not necessary. You can sit or stand up straight, but make sure you do it the same way each time.

Choice B is wrong because placing tongue on the mouthpiece of the meter can block the air flow and affect the accuracy of the measurement. You should close your lips tightly on the mouthpiece instead.

Choice D is wrong because recording the average of the readings is not recommended.

You should record the highest of the three readings on a sheet of paper, calendar or in your asthma diary. This is your daily peak flow.

Normal ranges for peak flow vary depending on age, height, gender and race. You can use a chart or calculator to find out your predicted normal peak flow based on these factors. However, it is more important to find out your personal best peak flow by performing peak flow testing twice a day for two weeks when your asthma is under good control. Your personal best peak flow will be used to create your asthma action plan with your healthcare provider.