Chapter : Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Maternity and
Pediatric Nursing
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A pregnant woman tells the nurse that she got relief from nausea when she had a therapy that involves
pressure and massage on meridian sites. What type of therapy does this describe?
a. Acupuncture
b. Acupressure
c. Aromatherapy
d. Ayurveda
ANS: B
Acupressure uses finger pressure and massage on the meridian sites. It can be used during pregnancy to control
nausea, backache, and pain. It has been useful for minor postpartum problems such as constipation.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge REF: Page 764-765
OBJ: 2 TOP: Acupressure KEY: Nursing Process Step: Data Collection
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation
2. Which child should not receive massage therapy?
a. 15-year-old with a fractured femur
b. 12-year-old with diabetes mellitus
c. 8-year-old with Down syndrome
d. 17-year-old with an eating disorder
ANS: C
Children with Down syndrome are prone particularly to cervical spine anomalies and may be injured by
massage therapy.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: Page 763 OBJ: 3
TOP: Massage KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation
3. A 12-year-old with rheumatoid arthritis finds aromatherapy helpful for relieving her joint discomfort. Which
essential oil is useful for children with chronic pain?
a. Lavender
b. Ephedra
c. Ginseng
d. Kava-kava
ANS: A
Lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood essential oils are useful in aromatherapy for children with chronic pain.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge REF: Page 765, Nursing Tip
OBJ: 2 TOP: Alternative Health PracticesAromatherapy
KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation
4. A pregnant woman wishes to use aromatherapy during her labor and delivery. What is the most appropriate
essential oil for the nurse to recommend?
a. Juniper
b. Wintergreen
c. Thyme
d. Citrus
ANS: D
Citrus is one essential oil that has been shown to be useful during labor and delivery.
,Test Bank - Introduction to Maternity and Pediatric Nursing 7e (Leifer 2015) 316
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: Page 765 OBJ: 10
TOP: Aromatherapy KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation
5. A parent asks the nurse, What is guided imagery? Which statement is the most accurate response?
a. It is a technique where the patient focuses on an image to relieve stress.
b. It involves using water to promote relaxation.
c. The patient enters a hypnotic state of sleep to promote relaxation.
d. It helps the patient recognize tension in the muscles with responses on an electronic machine.
ANS: A
In guided imagery, by focusing on a specific image, stress reduction and improved performance can result.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge REF: Page 765 OBJ: 9
TOP: Guided Imagery KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort
6. A woman taking St. Johns wort and ginseng daily is scheduled to have a hysterectomy in 3 weeks. What
instruction should the nurse provide?
a. The herbs are not likely to cause any problems during the surgery.
b. The St. Johns wort must be stopped prior to surgery, but she can continue the ginseng.
c. The ginseng should be stopped 1 week before surgery.
d. She should discontinue taking both herbs 2 weeks before surgery.
ANS: D
Both St. Johns wort and ginseng can cause problems during surgery, and their use should be discontinued 2
weeks before surgery.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 762, Table 34-1
OBJ: 6 TOP: Herbal Remedies
KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk
7. Which herb can the nurse suggest to be used for discomforts associated with menopause, such as hot
flashes?
a. Evening primrose oil
b. Echinacea
c. Milk thistle
d. Black cohosh
ANS: D
Black cohosh diminishes hot flashes by reducing luteinizing hormone. It also reduces joint pain and other
menopausal discomforts.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge REF: Page 769, Table 34-4
OBJ: 12 TOP: Herbal Remedies
KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort
8. A young mother asks, Is there an alternative medicine for children with asthma? Which form of alternative
medicine would be the most helpful for the nurse to suggest?
a. Reflexology
b. Rolfing
c. Guided imagery
d. Acupressure
ANS: C
The use of guided imagery has helped relieve some of the symptoms of asthma.
, Test Bank - Introduction to Maternity and Pediatric Nursing 7e (Leifer 2015) 317
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: Page 760 OBJ: 3 | 9
TOP: Guided Imagery KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation
9. What is the difference between complementary therapy and alternative therapy?
a. Complementary therapy must be administered by a medical doctor.
b. Complementary therapy is administered with conventional therapy.
c. Complementary therapy replaces conventional therapy.
d. Complementary therapy is administered to a group of patients at the same time.
ANS: B
Complementary therapy is administered with conventional therapy, such as massage with muscle relaxants for
low back pain.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: Page 760 OBJ: 2
TOP: CAM KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation
10. The nurse uses a diagram to show the location of meridians. How will the nurse explain the definition of
meridians?
a. They are lymph nodes.
b. They are invisible pathways for energy.
c. They are lines that divide the body into 10 zones.
d. They are areas of skin that are specifically innervated.
ANS: B
Meridians are invisible pathways through which energy travels to effect acupuncture treatment.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge REF: Page 764, Figure 34-4
OBJ: 8 TOP: Herbal Remedies: CAM
KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation
11. Which herbal remedy used by a patient taking warfarin should the nurse report to the physician?
a. Angelica (dong quai)
b. Chamomile
c. Ginseng
d. Kava-kava
ANS: A
Angelica prolongs prothrombin time and will synergize the effect of the warfarin.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 766, Table 34-3
OBJ: 4 TOP: Herbal Remedies
KEY: Nursing Process Step: Data Collection
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk
12. What should the nurse remind a parent who is considering homeopathic remedies for treatment of her
childs asthma?
a. Should be drunk with large amounts of fluid
b. Can be taken with traditional Western medications
c. Can be enhanced by drinking hot tea
d. May contain mercury, alcohol, or arsenic
ANS: D
Homeopathic remedies often contain mercury, alcohol, or arsenic and are taken sublingually. All Western
medications should be stopped when the homeopathic therapy is begun. Caffeine drinks are to be avoided
during homeopathic treatment.