Question

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

a) "Acupuncture is not proven to be effective for pain relief."
b) "Discuss your preference with the healthcare provider for appropriate referrals."
c) "Continue taking pain medication as prescribed, and use acupuncture as an adjunct."
d) "Stop taking pain medication if acupuncture provides sufficient relief."

Answer 1

The nurse should advise the client to continue taking pain medication as prescribed and use acupuncture as an adjunct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should make the statement:

Continue taking pain medication as prescribed, and use acupuncture as an adjunct.

This response acknowledges the client's preference for acupuncture while also emphasizing the importance of continuing with prescribed pain medication. It suggests that acupuncture can be used as an additional treatment option to complement the medication. This approach ensures that the client receives the necessary pain relief while incorporating their desired alternative therapy.