Question

A nurse is caring for a client who has breast cancer and tells the nurse that they would like to have acupumture because it provides greater relief than pain medication. Which of the following statements hould the nurse make?

(a) Acupuncture is a great alternative to pain medication, and I'm sure it will help you feel better.

(b) I understand that you're looking for pain relief, but I'm not comfortable recommending acupuncture without consulting with your doctor.

(c) Acupuncture is not a proven treatment for cancer pain, and I would not recommend it.

(d) Acupuncture can be a helpful complementary therapy for cancer pain, but it's important to manage your expectations and understand that it may not be a cure-all.

Answer 1

The best response by the nurse would be to recognize acupuncture as a potential complementary therapy for cancer pain while emphasizing consultation with a doctor and managing expectations about its effectiveness.

Step-by-step explanation:

A student asked about the response a nurse should give to a client asking about acupuncture for pain relief from breast cancer. The nurse's response should be informative, supportive, and ethical. The best option would be (d) Acupuncture can be a helpful complementary therapy for cancer pain, but it's important to manage your expectations and understand that it may not be a cure-all. This acknowledges the patient's interest in alternative therapies while recognizing the importance of proper medical guidance and realistic expectations.

Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine that involves the insertion of very thin needles through the skin at specific points on the body, and is used for a variety of health issues, including pain relief. While it is often considered safe, it can potentially facilitate exposure to pathogens if not performed under sterile conditions or with proper techniques. Thus, it is important for healthcare professionals to ensure acupuncture is delivered by a licensed practitioner following all necessary safety protocols to minimize any risk of infection.