When a patient requests acupuncture to help with pain in the hospital, what is the nurse's appropriate action?

• A. Discourage all nonpharmacologic therapies.
• B. Only allow physician-prescribed therapies.
• C. Assist the client as needed in facilitating the acupuncturist's visit.
• D. Ignore the patient's request for alternative therapies.

Answer: (C)

When a patient in the hospital asks for acupuncture to help with pain, the goal is to provide patient-centered, safe, and coordinated care that respects the patient’s preferences and fits within the treatment plan. The nurse’s best action is to assist the client as needed in facilitating the acupuncturist’s visit. This means working within hospital policies, confirming the practitioner’s credentials and availability, and checking for any medical factors that could affect safety, such as bleeding risks, anticoagulant use, infection concerns, or skin issues. The nurse should review the current pain management plan, determine if an order or referral is required, obtain consent if needed, and coordinate with the physician or integrative medicine team. Prepare the patient, offer relevant information about what to expect, monitor the response, and document the visit. This approach supports the patient’s choices while maintaining safety and collaboration among the care team.