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CAM THERAPIES – NCLEX EXAM QUESTIONS –
2026 UPDATE | COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
CAM Therapies Practice NCLEX Questions
Question 1:
A 55-year-old patient is interested in using herbal medicine to help with his enlarged prostate.
He asks the nurse which herb might be beneficial. Which herb should the nurse suggest?
A. Echinacea
B. Saw Palmetto
C. Ginkgo Biloba
D. St. John’s Wort
Answer: B. Saw Palmetto
Rationale: Saw Palmetto is commonly used to help with an enlarged prostate. The nurse should
be aware of potential interactions with other hormones and advise the patient accordingly.
Question 2:
A patient with mild depression wants to use an herbal remedy instead of prescription
antidepressants. Which herb should the nurse recommend?
A. Garlic
B. St. John’s Wort
C. Ginseng
D. Echinacea
Answer: B. St. John’s Wort
Rationale: St. John’s Wort is often used to alleviate mild to moderate depression. The nurse
should also inform the patient about potential interactions with antidepressants.
Question 3:
During a routine visit, a patient mentions that she has started using garlic supplements to lower
her blood pressure. What is an important side effect the nurse should discuss with her?
A. Increased heart rate
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B. Possible liver inflammation
C. Increased bleeding
D. Insomnia
Answer: C. Increased bleeding
Rationale: Garlic can increase the risk of bleeding, especially if taken with anticoagulants. The
nurse should educate the patient about this risk and monitor for signs of bleeding.
Question 4:
A patient with chronic pain is interested in using complementary therapies. Which therapy
involves the use of the practitioner’s hands to manipulate the patient’s energy fields?
A. Biofeedback
B. Guided imagery
C. Therapeutic touch
D. Hypnosis
Answer: C. Therapeutic touch
Rationale: Therapeutic touch involves the use of the practitioner’s hands to enhance energy
fields and promote healing. This method can decrease pain and anxiety and improve the patient’s
sense of well-being.
Question 5:
A patient with a history of anxiety and insomnia is interested in complementary therapies. Which
therapy combines meditation and yoga to address these issues?
A. Guided imagery
B. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
C. Biofeedback
D. Aromatherapy
Answer: B. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Rationale: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a healing approach that combines
meditation and yoga to reduce anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, and depression.
Question 6:
A nurse is educating a patient about the use of aromatherapy. Which essential oil should the
nurse recommend for its calming effects?
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A. Lavender
B. Eucalyptus
C. Ginger
D. Jasmine
Answer: A. Lavender
Rationale: Lavender is known for its calming properties and can help improve sleep and reduce
anxiety. The nurse should ensure the patient understands how to use it safely.
Question 7:
A patient is experiencing increased stress and is interested in progressive relaxation techniques.
Which instruction should the nurse give the patient?
A. Focus on tensing and then relaxing each muscle group from head to toe.
B. Repeat a calming mantra silently while exhaling.
C. Visualize a positive external image, such as a favorite vacation spot.
D. Engage in slow, deep breathing exercises.
Answer: A. Focus on tensing and then relaxing each muscle group from head to toe.
Rationale: Progressive relaxation involves tensing and then intentionally relaxing each muscle
group, typically from head to toe. This helps the patient develop cognitive skills to manage
stress.
Question 8:
A patient with mild to moderate depression wants to use a botanical remedy. Which herb should
the nurse advise against using with prescription antidepressants?
A. Ginseng
B. Echinacea
C. St. John’s Wort
D. Saw Palmetto
Answer: C. St. John’s Wort
Rationale: St. John’s Wort can interact with antidepressants, potentially causing serious side
effects. The nurse should advise the patient to consult with their healthcare provider before
starting any new herbal supplements.
Question 9:
CAM THERAPIES – NCLEX EXAM QUESTIONS –
2026 UPDATE | COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
CAM Therapies Practice NCLEX Questions
Question 1:
A 55-year-old patient is interested in using herbal medicine to help with his enlarged prostate.
He asks the nurse which herb might be beneficial. Which herb should the nurse suggest?
A. Echinacea
B. Saw Palmetto
C. Ginkgo Biloba
D. St. John’s Wort
Answer: B. Saw Palmetto
Rationale: Saw Palmetto is commonly used to help with an enlarged prostate. The nurse should
be aware of potential interactions with other hormones and advise the patient accordingly.
Question 2:
A patient with mild depression wants to use an herbal remedy instead of prescription
antidepressants. Which herb should the nurse recommend?
A. Garlic
B. St. John’s Wort
C. Ginseng
D. Echinacea
Answer: B. St. John’s Wort
Rationale: St. John’s Wort is often used to alleviate mild to moderate depression. The nurse
should also inform the patient about potential interactions with antidepressants.
Question 3:
During a routine visit, a patient mentions that she has started using garlic supplements to lower
her blood pressure. What is an important side effect the nurse should discuss with her?
A. Increased heart rate
, lOMoARcPSD| 63525276
B. Possible liver inflammation
C. Increased bleeding
D. Insomnia
Answer: C. Increased bleeding
Rationale: Garlic can increase the risk of bleeding, especially if taken with anticoagulants. The
nurse should educate the patient about this risk and monitor for signs of bleeding.
Question 4:
A patient with chronic pain is interested in using complementary therapies. Which therapy
involves the use of the practitioner’s hands to manipulate the patient’s energy fields?
A. Biofeedback
B. Guided imagery
C. Therapeutic touch
D. Hypnosis
Answer: C. Therapeutic touch
Rationale: Therapeutic touch involves the use of the practitioner’s hands to enhance energy
fields and promote healing. This method can decrease pain and anxiety and improve the patient’s
sense of well-being.
Question 5:
A patient with a history of anxiety and insomnia is interested in complementary therapies. Which
therapy combines meditation and yoga to address these issues?
A. Guided imagery
B. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
C. Biofeedback
D. Aromatherapy
Answer: B. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Rationale: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a healing approach that combines
meditation and yoga to reduce anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, and depression.
Question 6:
A nurse is educating a patient about the use of aromatherapy. Which essential oil should the
nurse recommend for its calming effects?
, lOMoARcPSD| 63525276
A. Lavender
B. Eucalyptus
C. Ginger
D. Jasmine
Answer: A. Lavender
Rationale: Lavender is known for its calming properties and can help improve sleep and reduce
anxiety. The nurse should ensure the patient understands how to use it safely.
Question 7:
A patient is experiencing increased stress and is interested in progressive relaxation techniques.
Which instruction should the nurse give the patient?
A. Focus on tensing and then relaxing each muscle group from head to toe.
B. Repeat a calming mantra silently while exhaling.
C. Visualize a positive external image, such as a favorite vacation spot.
D. Engage in slow, deep breathing exercises.
Answer: A. Focus on tensing and then relaxing each muscle group from head to toe.
Rationale: Progressive relaxation involves tensing and then intentionally relaxing each muscle
group, typically from head to toe. This helps the patient develop cognitive skills to manage
stress.
Question 8:
A patient with mild to moderate depression wants to use a botanical remedy. Which herb should
the nurse advise against using with prescription antidepressants?
A. Ginseng
B. Echinacea
C. St. John’s Wort
D. Saw Palmetto
Answer: C. St. John’s Wort
Rationale: St. John’s Wort can interact with antidepressants, potentially causing serious side
effects. The nurse should advise the patient to consult with their healthcare provider before
starting any new herbal supplements.
Question 9:
