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WEST COAST UNIVERSITY NURS 470 – ALTERNATIVE
THERAPIES IN NURSING AND HEALTH CARE
COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE EXAM 2 QUESTIONS
WITH ANSWERS AND RATIONALES |100% PASS
|GRADED A+ 2026/27
1. The nurse is caring for a client who uses acupuncture for pain
management. Which statement best describes the mechanism of action
of acupuncture?
a) It stimulates the release of endorphins and serotonin
b) It directly blocks pain receptors
c) It numbs the nerve endings
d) It increases inflammation
Verified Answer: a
Rationale: Acupuncture is believed to stimulate the release of endorphins
(endogenous opioids) and serotonin, which modulate pain perception
and promote relaxation. It does not directly block pain receptors or
numb nerve endings. It does not increase inflammation.
2. A client is interested in using herbal supplements for anxiety. Which
herb is commonly used for anxiety?
a) Valerian root
b) Echinacea
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c) Garlic
d) Ginkgo biloba
Verified Answer: a
Rationale: Valerian root is commonly used for anxiety and insomnia due
to its sedative properties. Echinacea is used for immune support. Garlic
is used for cardiovascular health. Ginkgo biloba is used for cognitive
function and memory.
3. The nurse is providing education to a client about the use of
meditation for stress reduction. Which statement by the client indicates
understanding?
a) "Meditation is a form of physical exercise."
b) "Meditation focuses on relaxation and mindfulness."
c) "Meditation requires special equipment."
d) "Meditation is only effective for severe pain."
Verified Answer: b
Rationale: Meditation is a mind-body practice that focuses on relaxation,
mindfulness, and focused attention. It does not require special equipment
and is not a form of physical exercise. It can be effective for stress,
anxiety, and pain management.
4. A client is using aromatherapy for relaxation. Which essential oil is
commonly used for calming effects?
a) Lavender
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b) Peppermint
c) Eucalyptus
d) Lemon
Verified Answer: a
Rationale: Lavender is commonly used in aromatherapy for its calming,
relaxing, and sleep-promoting effects. Peppermint is used for energy and
focus. Eucalyptus is used for respiratory support. Lemon is used for
mood elevation and cleansing.
5. The nurse is caring for a client who uses a biofeedback device. Which
statement best describes biofeedback?
a) It uses electrical currents to stimulate muscles
b) It provides real-time information about physiological processes to
help the client gain control
c) It involves the use of herbal supplements
d) It is a form of surgery
Verified Answer: b
Rationale: Biofeedback provides real-time information about
physiological processes (e.g., heart rate, muscle tension, skin
temperature) to help the client gain voluntary control over these
processes. It is not a form of surgery, does not use electrical currents for
stimulation, and does not involve herbal supplements.
6. A client is considering chiropractic care for chronic back pain. Which
statement best describes chiropractic care?
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a) It involves the manipulation of the spine and musculoskeletal system
b) It uses high-frequency sound waves
c) It involves the insertion of needles into the skin
d) It uses herbal remedies
Verified Answer: a
Rationale: Chiropractic care involves the manipulation of the spine and
musculoskeletal system to improve alignment, relieve pain, and promote
healing. It does not use sound waves (ultrasound), needles
(acupuncture), or herbal remedies.
7. The nurse is providing education to a client about the use of
probiotics. Which statement is correct?
a) Probiotics are live microorganisms that support gut health
b) Probiotics are synthetic medications
c) Probiotics are used to treat bacterial infections
d) Probiotics are only available by prescription
Verified Answer: a
Rationale: Probiotics are live microorganisms (bacteria and yeasts) that
support gut health and digestion. They are not synthetic medications, are
not used to treat acute bacterial infections (though they may support
immune function), and are available over-the-counter.
8. A client is using guided imagery for pain management. Which
statement best describes guided imagery?
WEST COAST UNIVERSITY NURS 470 – ALTERNATIVE
THERAPIES IN NURSING AND HEALTH CARE
COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE EXAM 2 QUESTIONS
WITH ANSWERS AND RATIONALES |100% PASS
|GRADED A+ 2026/27
1. The nurse is caring for a client who uses acupuncture for pain
management. Which statement best describes the mechanism of action
of acupuncture?
a) It stimulates the release of endorphins and serotonin
b) It directly blocks pain receptors
c) It numbs the nerve endings
d) It increases inflammation
Verified Answer: a
Rationale: Acupuncture is believed to stimulate the release of endorphins
(endogenous opioids) and serotonin, which modulate pain perception
and promote relaxation. It does not directly block pain receptors or
numb nerve endings. It does not increase inflammation.
2. A client is interested in using herbal supplements for anxiety. Which
herb is commonly used for anxiety?
a) Valerian root
b) Echinacea
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c) Garlic
d) Ginkgo biloba
Verified Answer: a
Rationale: Valerian root is commonly used for anxiety and insomnia due
to its sedative properties. Echinacea is used for immune support. Garlic
is used for cardiovascular health. Ginkgo biloba is used for cognitive
function and memory.
3. The nurse is providing education to a client about the use of
meditation for stress reduction. Which statement by the client indicates
understanding?
a) "Meditation is a form of physical exercise."
b) "Meditation focuses on relaxation and mindfulness."
c) "Meditation requires special equipment."
d) "Meditation is only effective for severe pain."
Verified Answer: b
Rationale: Meditation is a mind-body practice that focuses on relaxation,
mindfulness, and focused attention. It does not require special equipment
and is not a form of physical exercise. It can be effective for stress,
anxiety, and pain management.
4. A client is using aromatherapy for relaxation. Which essential oil is
commonly used for calming effects?
a) Lavender
,3 | Page
b) Peppermint
c) Eucalyptus
d) Lemon
Verified Answer: a
Rationale: Lavender is commonly used in aromatherapy for its calming,
relaxing, and sleep-promoting effects. Peppermint is used for energy and
focus. Eucalyptus is used for respiratory support. Lemon is used for
mood elevation and cleansing.
5. The nurse is caring for a client who uses a biofeedback device. Which
statement best describes biofeedback?
a) It uses electrical currents to stimulate muscles
b) It provides real-time information about physiological processes to
help the client gain control
c) It involves the use of herbal supplements
d) It is a form of surgery
Verified Answer: b
Rationale: Biofeedback provides real-time information about
physiological processes (e.g., heart rate, muscle tension, skin
temperature) to help the client gain voluntary control over these
processes. It is not a form of surgery, does not use electrical currents for
stimulation, and does not involve herbal supplements.
6. A client is considering chiropractic care for chronic back pain. Which
statement best describes chiropractic care?
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a) It involves the manipulation of the spine and musculoskeletal system
b) It uses high-frequency sound waves
c) It involves the insertion of needles into the skin
d) It uses herbal remedies
Verified Answer: a
Rationale: Chiropractic care involves the manipulation of the spine and
musculoskeletal system to improve alignment, relieve pain, and promote
healing. It does not use sound waves (ultrasound), needles
(acupuncture), or herbal remedies.
7. The nurse is providing education to a client about the use of
probiotics. Which statement is correct?
a) Probiotics are live microorganisms that support gut health
b) Probiotics are synthetic medications
c) Probiotics are used to treat bacterial infections
d) Probiotics are only available by prescription
Verified Answer: a
Rationale: Probiotics are live microorganisms (bacteria and yeasts) that
support gut health and digestion. They are not synthetic medications, are
not used to treat acute bacterial infections (though they may support
immune function), and are available over-the-counter.
8. A client is using guided imagery for pain management. Which
statement best describes guided imagery?