The nurse understands that CAM therapies have common characteristics, such as which of the following? (Select All that Apply)

A. By assessing the temperature every 4 hours:

Monitoring temperature every 4 hours is a common practice in hospitalized patients to detect fever, which could indicate an infection or an inflammatory response. However, this method does not directly assess the therapeutic blood levels of vancomycin. Fever alone does not provide specific information about the effectiveness or concentration of the antibiotic in the bloodstream.

B. By repeating a culture and sensitivity test on day 3:

Culture and sensitivity tests involve taking a sample from the patient (such as blood, urine, or sputum) and growing the microorganisms in a laboratory to identify the causative organism and determine its susceptibility to antibiotics. While this test is essential for identifying the appropriate antibiotic therapy initially, repeating it on day 3 does not directly monitor therapeutic blood levels of vancomycin. It also doesn't provide real-time information about the concentration of vancomycin in the bloodstream.

C. By obtaining drug peak and trough levels:

This choice involves measuring the highest (peak) and lowest (trough) concentrations of vancomycin in the bloodstream. Peak levels are typically measured about 1 hour after the completion of a vancomycin infusion, while trough levels are measured just before the next dose is administered. These measurements allow healthcare providers to ensure that the drug concentration remains within the therapeutic range to effectively treat the infection while minimizing the risk of toxicity.

D. By assessing for breathlessness:

Assessing for breathlessness is important for monitoring respiratory status, particularly in patients receiving vancomycin, as rare side effects like red-man syndrome or anaphylaxis can cause respiratory distress. However, this method does not directly monitor therapeutic blood levels of vancomycin.

A. Ginger root:

Ginger root is well-known for its anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used for centuries to alleviate motion sickness, nausea, and vomiting. Ginger works by helping to calm the stomach and alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort. Therefore, ginger root is a suitable herbal supplement for controlling nausea associated with motion sickness.

B. Garlic:

Garlic is not typically used for controlling nausea. While garlic has various health benefits, including cardiovascular and immune support, it is not known for its anti-nausea properties.

C. Kava:

Kava is an herbal supplement used for its anxiolytic and sedative effects. It is not commonly used for controlling nausea and may not be effective for alleviating symptoms of motion sickness.

D. Valerian:

Valerian is an herb primarily used for its sedative and anxiolytic properties. It is not commonly used for controlling nausea and would not be an appropriate choice for alleviating symptoms of motion sickness.