A patient tells the nurse, "I have been reading about using castor oil as a treatment for muscle cramping. Do you know anything about that?" How should the nurse respond to this question?
1. "Why don't you ask the doctor about whether it works or not?"
2. "I think you take a tablespoon twice a day."
3. "The castor oil should be warmed before use."
4. "Soak a flannel cloth with the castor oil and apply it to your muscle."
5. "You must wear gloves when handling castor oil."
Correct Answer: 3,4
Rationale 1: The nurse should be prepared to discuss pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical methods of symptom management, including complementary and alternative therapies. There is no reason to defer to the health care provider.
Rationale 2: Castor oil is used as a topical application when it is used for muscle cramping.
Rationale 3: Warming the castor oil has the added benefit of warming the muscle tissue, which helps to relieve discomfort.
Rationale 4: The flannel cloth absorbs the castor oil and holds it on the skin. The flannel also holds in the warmth of the oil.
Rationale 5: There is no indication that contact between castor oil and the hands is detrimental.
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