A nurse is reviewing the medical history of a client who wants to try acupuncture for her chronic low back pain. The nurse should identify that which of the following conditions are contraindications for acupuncture? (Select all that apply.)

The correct answer is

A. Guided imagery will help me relax my muscles and reduce tension.

Choice A: Guided imagery is a mind-body technique that uses the power of the mind to alter the physical condition of the body. It involves creating and focusing on positive images in the mind, using all the senses to make the image feel as real as possible. It is often performed along with an instructor or a recording that guides the visualization. Guided imagery can help people relax their muscles and reduce tension by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which lowers the heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormones.

Choice B: Guided imagery may have some effects on the immune system, but this is not its primary purpose or benefit. Some studies have suggested that guided imagery can enhance immune function by increasing natural killer cells, lymphocytes, and immunoglobulins⁴⁵. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to understand the mechanisms behind them.

Choice C: Guided imagery may have some effects on blood flow and blood pressure, but this is not its primary purpose or benefit. Some studies have suggested that guided imagery can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure by reducing vascular resistance, improving endothelial function, and decreasing sympathetic activity. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to understand the mechanisms behind them.

Choice D: Guided imagery is not the same as energy therapies, which are CAM practices that involve the use of energy fields. Energy therapies include biofield therapies, such as Reiki, therapeutic touch, and qi gong, and bioelectromagnetic-based therapies, such as pulsed fields, magnetic fields, or alternating current or direct current fields. Guided imagery does not involve manipulating or balancing energy fields, but rather using mental images to affect physical functioning and health.

The correct answer is

A. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can restore the normal flora in your gut.

Choice A: Probiotics are live microorganisms, such as bacteria or yeast, that can confer health benefits to the host when administered in adequate amounts. Probiotics can restore the normal flora in the gut by competing with pathogenic bacteria, producing antimicrobial substances, enhancing the intestinal barrier function, and modulating the immune system. Probiotics have been shown to reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), which is a common side effect of antibiotic use that disrupts the gut microbiota.

Choice B: Probiotics are not dietary supplements, but rather foods or drugs that contain live microorganisms. Probiotics may have some effects on metabolism and digestion, but this is not their primary purpose or benefit. Probiotics may influence metabolism and digestion by affecting nutrient absorption, bile acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism, and appetite regulation¹². However, more research is needed to confirm these effects and to identify the optimal probiotic strains and doses for different metabolic and digestive conditions.

Choice C: Probiotics are not herbal remedies, but rather live microorganisms that can be found in natural sources such as yogurt, fermented foods, or supplements. Probiotics may have some anti-inflammatory effects, but this is not their primary purpose or benefit. Probiotics may modulate inflammation by affecting cytokine production, oxidative stress, intestinal permeability, and mucosal immunity. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects and to identify the optimal probiotic strains and doses for different inflammatory conditions.

Choice D: Probiotics are not natural substances that can detoxify the body and eliminate toxins. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can affect the host's health in various ways. There is no scientific evidence that probiotics can detoxify the body or eliminate toxins. Detoxification is a natural process that occurs in the liver and kidneys, and it is not influenced by probiotics.