A patient tells the nurse, "I have been reading about using capsaicin as a treatment for muscle pain. Do you know anything about that?" How should the nurse respond to this question? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Standard Text: Select all that apply

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. "You should use a hot pad on the site prior to applying the capsaicin."
4. "Some patients report that capsaicin stings."
5. "Be certain to wash your hands after applying the capsaicin."

Answer 1

4,5
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: Capsaicin is used as a topical application when it is used for muscle pain.
Rationale 3: The patient should apply a cool compress to the application site prior to using capsaicin.
Rationale 4: Reddening of the skin and local stinging are the most common side effects.
Rationale 5: Capsaicin will cause burning of eyes or mucous membranes so the patient should carefully wash hands after applying this ointment.
Global Rationale: Reddening of the skin and local stinging are the most common side effects. Capsaicin will cause burning of eyes or mucous membranes so the patient should carefully wash hands after applying this ointment. 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. Capsaicin is used as a topical application when it is used for muscle pain. Reddening of the skin and local stinging are the most common side effects.