Western Biomedical Concepts for Acupuncturists Flashcards

A patient with low back pain reports numbness in the saddle area and new difficulty urinating. What is the correct response?

Answer: Refer for emergency evaluation of cauda equina syndrome

Saddle anesthesia with bladder dysfunction suggests cauda equina syndrome, a surgical emergency.

Long-term use of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen is most associated with which adverse effect?

Answer: Gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding

NSAIDs inhibit protective prostaglandins in the stomach lining, which raises the risk of peptic ulcers and GI bleeding.

Which is a well-known complication of long-term oral corticosteroid therapy?

Answer: Osteoporosis

Chronic corticosteroid use causes bone loss, along with hyperglycemia, weight gain, and immunosuppression.

A patient on warfarin wants to start taking Ginkgo biloba. What is the main concern?

Answer: Higher bleeding risk

Ginkgo has antiplatelet effects that can add to anticoagulants and increase the risk of bleeding.

St. John's wort may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives through which mechanism?

Answer: It induces CYP3A4 enzymes

St. John's wort induces CYP3A4, which speeds the metabolism of many drugs, including oral contraceptives.

During treatment, a patient suddenly develops facial droop, arm weakness, and slurred speech. What should the practitioner do first?

Answer: Call 911 and note the time symptoms began

These FAST signs point to an acute stroke, which is time-critical and needs emergency services immediately.

Which combination of findings most strongly suggests bacterial meningitis?

Answer: Fever, stiff neck, and photophobia

Fever, nuchal rigidity, and photophobia are the classic signs of meningitis, a medical emergency.