A patient with a history of asthma says, "I've been very nervous lately. I think aromatherapy will help. I am ordering $250 worth of oils from an Internet site that promised swift results." Select the nurse's best action.

A) Support the patient's efforts to become informed and to find health solutions.
B) Suggest the patient check with friends who have tried aromatherapy for treatment of anxiety.
C) Remind the patient, "If you spend that much on oils, you may not be able to buy your prescribed medication."
D) Tell the patient, "Aromatherapy can complicate respiratory problems such as asthma. Let's consider some other options."

Safety is paramount, and aromatherapy may cause complications for a patient with asthma. The nurse should view alternative treatments with an open mind and try to recognize the importance of the treatment to the patient while trying to give the patient accurate, reliable information about the treatment. Although efforts to become health literate should be supported, educating the patient about the pitfalls of relying on the Internet is essential. The opinions of others, whether they are positive or negative, lack a scientific basis and are subject to confounding variables such as the placebo effect and individual factors such as age and health history. Admonishing the patient may jeopardize the relationship.