Prepare for your NCLEX-RN® exam with this question about integrative therapy, including how to identify effective examples that enhance patient care in a primary care setting.

The nurse in a primary care clinic is discussing integrative therapy with a client. Which example best represents integrative therapy?  

A. Massage therapy used with acupuncture

B. Aromatherapy used with biofeedback

C. Antibiotics used with a probiotic supplement

D. Meditation used with yoga

Scroll down for the correct answer!

The correct answer to today’s NCLEX-RN® question is…

C. Antibiotics used with a probiotic supplement

Rationale: Integrative therapy, also known as complementary therapy, combines an allopathic treatment (antibiotics) with a non-conventional treatment (probiotic). Therefore, this is the best example. Taking a probiotic along with an antibiotic can help protect gastrointestinal flora and prevent diarrhea, which is a common side effect of antibiotics. 

Major Takeaway

Integrative therapy, also known as complementary therapy, combines an allopathic treatment (also known as biomedicine) with a non-conventional treatment, such as massage therapy, chiropractic medicine, or biofeedback. One example of integrative therapy is taking antibiotics (allopathic therapy) while using a probiotic supplement (non-conventional therapy) to complement conventional treatment. On the other hand, alternative therapy is where non-conventional therapies completely replace conventional allopathic treatments. For example, using acupuncture and meditation instead of pain medication.

Chart noting the types of therapy: Allopathic, Integrative or complementary therapy

Incorrect Answer Explanations

A. Massage therapy used with acupuncture

Rationale: Massage therapy used with acupuncture is not an example of integrative therapy. Instead, it is an example of using two types of non-conventional therapies.

B. Aromatherapy used with biofeedback

Rationale: Aromatherapy and biofeedback are not considered integrative therapy. Instead, it is an example of using two types of non-conventional therapies.

D. Meditation used with yoga

Rationale: Meditation used with yoga is not an example of integrative therapy. Instead, this is an example of using two types of non-conventional therapies.

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