A nurse is evaluating a client who has been using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a whole medical system for his diabetes mellitus. The nurse should understand that TCM is based on which of the following concepts?

The correct answer is

D. All of the above. Meditation involves various actions that can help a person cope with stress and anxiety, such as:

Choice A reason: Focusing attention on a word, phrase, object, or breathing. This is one of the common actions of meditation, especially in focused attention meditation, where the person concentrates on a single point of reference, such as a mantra, a candle flame, or the sensation of the breath. This can help calm the mind and reduce distractions.

Choice B reason: Inducing a state of deep relaxation and altered consciousness. This is another possible action of meditation, especially in relaxation exercises, such as progressive muscle relaxation or body scan meditation, where the person systematically relaxes different parts of the body and becomes more aware of their physical sensations. This can help lower the heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension.

Choice C reason: Enhancing awareness and acceptance of thoughts and feelings. This is yet another action of meditation, especially in mindfulness meditation, where the person observes their thoughts and emotions without judging or reacting to them. This can help foster a more positive and compassionate attitude towards oneself and others.

Choice D reason: All of the above. Meditation can involve all of these actions, depending on the type and purpose of the practice. Therefore, this is the correct answer.

The correct answer

A. Garlic, which may increase the risk of bleeding with anticoagulants

B. Ginseng, which may lower blood glucose levels with antidiabetic agents

C. Valerian, which may cause excessive sedation with benzodiazepines

D. Chamomile, which may cause allergic reactions with penicillins

Choice A reason: Garlic, which may increase the risk of bleeding with anticoagulants. Garlic has antiplatelet and fibrinolytic effects that can potentiate the action of anticoagulants, such as warfarin, heparin, or aspirin. This can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.

Choice B reason: Ginseng, which may lower blood glucose levels with antidiabetic agents. Ginseng may have hypoglycemic effects that can enhance the action of antidiabetic agents, such as insulin, metformin, or sulfonylureas. This can increase the risk of hypoglycemia and its symptoms.

Choice C reason: Valerian, which may cause excessive sedation with benzodiazepines. Valerian has sedative and anxiolytic effects that can augment the action of benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, lorazepam, or alprazolam. This can increase the risk of excessive sedation, drowsiness, and impaired cognition.

Choice D reason: Chamomile, which may cause allergic reactions with penicillins. Chamomile may contain cross-reactive allergens that can trigger allergic reactions in patients who are allergic to penicillins, such as amoxicillin, ampicillin, or piperacillin. This can cause symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, or anaphylaxis.

Choice E reason: Ginger, which may reduce nausea and vomiting with antiemetics. Ginger has antiemetic effects that can complement the action of antiemetics, such as ondansetron, metoclopramide, or promethazine. This can reduce the symptoms of nausea and vomiting caused by various conditions or treatments.