A patient has just been diagnosed with HIV. When developing the teaching plan, what information would the nurse share with this patient related to use of alternative or complementary therapies?

Question

A) "Complementary therapies such as acupuncture or herbal therapy are dangerous to patients with HIV and you are discouraged from exploring these types of therapy."
B) "Researchers have not looked at the benefits of alternative therapy for patients with HIV, so it is suggested you avoid these therapies until research data are available."
C) "Alternative therapies have benefits and risks. Are there any types of alternative or complementary therapies that you follow or are there any herbs or supplements that you take?"
D) "You do not take herbs or practice some type of alternative medicine such as acupuncture, massage therapy, hypnosis, or diet therapy, do you?"

Answer 1

C
Feedback:
With a new diagnosis of HIV, it is important for the nurse to assess the patient for use of alternative therapies because some alternative therapies are contraindicated while on antiviral medication. Options A and D are negative statements that discourage the patient from sharing information with the nurse. Option B gives the patient information, but does not elicit information in return and is therefore inappropriate for the nurse to use.