If a patient requests a licensed acupuncturist to come to the hospital for pain relief, what should the nurse do?

If a patient requests a licensed acupuncturist to come to the hospital for pain relief, what should the nurse do?

• A. Disallow the visit.
• B. Assist the client as needed in facilitating the acupuncturist's visit.
• C. Schedule a pharmacologic alternative only.
• D. Refuse.

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that caring for a patient includes recognizing their preferences for nonpharmacologic pain relief and coordinating with other professionals to make it happen safely within the hospital system. When a patient requests a licensed acupuncturist to come to the hospital, the nurse should act as a facilitator, helping to arrange and integrate that visit into the patient’s care. This means confirming the request with the medical team, verifying the acupuncturist’s licensure, obtaining informed consent, and checking for any contraindications or safety concerns (such as bleeding risks, infection control, or interactions with current treatments). The nurse also handles practical steps—scheduling, providing a suitable space, ensuring privacy, and documenting the session and the patient’s response. After the visit, the nurse monitors outcomes and updates the care plan accordingly. This approach respects the patient’s autonomy and preference for relief, supports a holistic, team-based approach to pain management, and maintains safety and proper hospital procedures. Dismissing the request or offering only a pharmacologic alternative would deny the patient a potentially beneficial option and overlook the value of integrative care within coordinated treatment.

The main idea here is that caring for a patient includes recognizing their preferences for nonpharmacologic pain relief and coordinating with other professionals to make it happen safely within the hospital system. When a patient requests a licensed acupuncturist to come to the hospital, the nurse should act as a facilitator, helping to arrange and integrate that visit into the patient’s care. This means confirming the request with the medical team, verifying the acupuncturist’s licensure, obtaining informed consent, and checking for any contraindications or safety concerns (such as bleeding risks, infection control, or interactions with current treatments). The nurse also handles practical steps—scheduling, providing a suitable space, ensuring privacy, and documenting the session and the patient’s response. After the visit, the nurse monitors outcomes and updates the care plan accordingly. This approach respects the patient’s autonomy and preference for relief, supports a holistic, team-based approach to pain management, and maintains safety and proper hospital procedures. Dismissing the request or offering only a pharmacologic alternative would deny the patient a potentially beneficial option and overlook the value of integrative care within coordinated treatment.