Going From Evidence to Clinical Implementation : Soothing Scents

An essential oil possesses which of the following characteristics:1

It is aromatic
It is hydrophobic
It is volatile
All of the above

Essential oils can be found in which plant structure:1

Secretory cavities
Excretory cavities
Both
Neither

Which statement is most true about essential oils in nature?1

One primary constituent in each essential oil is usually responsible for its therapeutic
It is most likely the combination of all the molecules in an essential oil that provides the therapeutic benefits.
Essential oils exist in plants only for warning away predators.
Essential oils exist in plants solely to attract pollinators.

The process of removing essential oils from a plant most often involves some type of:1

Cold pressing
Chemical solvent
Distillation
None of the above

Which statement(s) is/are false in regard to the distillation of essential oils?1

The maximum amount of heat possible must be used to extract the essential oil from the plant.
Just enough heat to rupture the ber of the plant must be used in order to prevent destruction of the essential oils.
During distillation, essential oil is released as a vapor, then cooled and collected as a liquid
B and C

By which routes can essential oils be absorbed in the body?1

Oral
Skin and mucous membranes
Inhalation
All of the above

Select the statement that is the most accurate:1

When inhaled, essential oils are slow to reach the central nervous system.
Essential oils are rapidly transported when inhaled, reaching the central nervous system via the olfactory tract.
The olfactory tract plays little, if any role in transporting essential oils.
When inhaled, essential oils only reach the central nervous system via the lungs.

When essential oils are used with patients in the clinical setting, their level of consciousness and physical impairments often require safety measures such as:1

Using essential oils only with massage.
Using essential oils on a cotton ball placed on their pillow
Using essential oils in a delivery device designed to prevent accidental skin or eye contact.
Restricting use until the patient is discharged from the clinical area.

Which statement reflect “best practice” when using TIEO in the clinical setting?1

Use the highest maximum ambient concentration possible, such as with a electric whole room diffuser.
Use the lowest ambient concentration possible, such as with a personal passive inhalation device.
Allow the patient to select which delivery method works best
None of the above

What statement is accurate about Scent Bias?1

It occurs when someone’s experiences or attitudes influence how they evaluate a smell as positive or negative.
The most powerful emotional associations with smell are made before the age of 10.
Patients rate their satisfaction with their nausea treatment higher when given pleasantly scented TIEO for treatment.
All of the above.

Which statement is inaccurate about Conditioned Aversion?1

It occurs when the mind develops a strong resistance towards something, such as a taste or smell, after associating it with feeling ill.
This only occurs with smells, never with taste.
It is thought to be a survival mechanism.
When using TIEO, to prevent conditioned aversion, it is best to use a blend of essential oils, instead of a single, easily recognizable scent.

Select the best definition of an independent nursing intervention:1

An action which can be carried out by a nurse, but requires a physician’s order.
An action which can be initiated by a nurse, falls within the scope of nursing knowledge and skills, and requires no physician’s order.
An action that is initiated by a nurse, but does not fall within the scope of acknowledged nursing practice.
An action a nurse initiates that does not depend upon nursing knowledge or skill.

Since essential oils are not drugs, there is no inhalation “dose”. No “safe” inhalational limit has been established by regulatory agencies, due in part to the:1

Outstanding safety record of essential oil vapor inhalation
Low likelihood of inhaled essential oils having the ability to cause toxic reactions
Extremely low level of risk when used in a clinical setting with a personal diffuser.
All of the above.

For treating nausea with TIEO, which essential oil blends have shown the most efficacy in the available research?1

Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, Sweet Orange and Lavender
Peppermint, Ginger, Lavender and Spearmint
Sweet Orange, Spearmint, Ylang Ylang and Ginger
None of the above

What is an additional benefit of peppermint essential oil when used with women undergoing Caesarean delivery?1

They can become drowsy
They can have less pain
They can have the sensation of more airflow through the nose
None of the above

Adding Lavender to an antiemetic TIEO blend makes it a more complete and useful therapy throughout the perioperative phase because:1

The anti-anxiety properties of lavender can be beneficial for the pre-op patient who becomes queasy from an IV insertion, worry, or fear
It can help calm post op patients who are worried that retching will disrupt their surgical wound
None of the above
Both

Which statement is true about TIEO use during pregnancy?1

Based on the current available information, the use of essential oils with a longstanding history of safety, should not be restricted.
Based on the current available information, the use of all essential oils regardless of history of safety, should be avoided during pregnancy.
No published data implicates commonly used essential oils such as peppermint, ginger and lavender in causing birth defects
A and C

Which statement is false about TIEO use with asthma and reactive airway disease?1

Peppermint essential oil’s main constituent, menthol, acts as an airway irritant, and may trigger asthma symptoms.
Peppermint essential oil’s main constituent, menthol, possesses anti-Inflammatory properties, which reduces the airway’s sensitivity to Irritants and diminishes the urge to cough.
Lavender essential oil has been found to worsen symptoms in patients with reactive airway disease
A and C

When using TIEO in children, safety precautions include:1

Using dispensing devices that allow low ambient vapor concentration
Careful introduction to the vapor and vigilant monitoring for side effects, such as nasal passage swelling or increased secretion production
Skin preparations containing essential oils should never be placed inside a child’s nostril
All of the Above

Which of the following is true about essential oil quality?1

There is no certifying body that bestows a “therapeutic grade” designation.
High quality essential oil producers can provide documentation about the composition and safety profile of their essential oils.
High quality essential oil producers can generally offer the lowest prices for their products.
A and B

In regard to research limitations for studying therapeutic inhaled essential oils, which statement is false?1

Conducting a double blind study on aroma can be quite difficult.
The emotional and contextual components of the sense of smell can enhance the placebo effect in research.
Funding for studies from the corporate sector is readily available.
Many studies that have been done only look at the main constituent and not the complete essential oil.

Going From Evidence to Clinical Implementation Quiz

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