ATI section 14: Complementary and Alternative Therapies Flashcards

1
Q

Saw palmetto

A

Proposed Use:
-Treats and prevents benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)

Side/Adverse Effects:

  • Prolonged bleeding time
  • Altered platelet function

Herb/Medication Interactions:
-Additive effect with anticoagulants

Nursing Considerations:

  • Allow 4-6 weeks to see effects
  • Discontinue use prior to surgery
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2
Q

Valerian Root

A

Proposed use:

  • Insomnia
  • Migraines
  • Menstrual cramps

Side/Adverse Effects:

  • Drowsiness
  • Anxiety
  • Hepatotoxicity (long-term use)

Herb/Medication Interactions:
-Additive effect with barbiturates and bento

Nursing Considerations:

  • Advise client against driving or operating machinery
  • Advise client against long term use
  • Discontinue at least 1 week prior to surgery
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3
Q

St. John’s wort

A

Propose Use:

  • Depression
  • Seasonal affective disorder
  • Anxiety

Side/Adverse Effects:

  • Headache
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Hepatotoxicity (long-term use)
  • Constipation

Herb/Medication Interactions:
-May reduce the effects of many medications

Nursing Considerations:

  • Should not be taken with other medications
  • Should not be used to treat severe depression
  • Should only be used with medical guidance
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4
Q

Echinacea

A

Proposed Uses:

  • Prevents and treats common cold
  • Stimulates the immune system
  • promotes wound healing

Side/Adverse Effects:

  • Headache
  • Epigastric pain
  • Constipation

Herb/Medication Interactions:

  • May reduce the effects of immunosuppressants
  • May increase serum levels of alprazolam (Xanax), CCBs, and protease inhibitors

Nursing Considerations:
-Long-term use may cause immunosuppression

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5
Q

Ginkgo

A

Proposed Uses;
-Improves cerebral circulation to treat dementia and memory loss

Side/Adverse Effects:

  • Dizziness
  • Palpitations

Herb/Medication Interactions:

  • May increase the effects of MAOIs, anticoagulants, and anti platelet aggregates
  • May reduce the effectiveness of insulin

Nursing Considerations:

  • Discontinue 2 weeks prior to surgery
  • May cause seizures with overdose
  • Keep out of reach of children
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6
Q

Ginseng

A

Proposed Uses:

  • improves strength and stamina
  • Prevents and treats cancer and DM

Side/Adverse Effects:

  • Insomnia
  • Nervousness

Herb/Medication Interactions:

  • May decrease effectiveness of anticoagulants and anti platelet aggregates
  • May increase effectiveness of anti diabetic agents and insulin

Nursing Considerations:
-Contraindicated for women who are pregnant and/or lactating

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7
Q

Glucosamine

A

Proposed Uses:

  • Relieves ostoarthritis
  • Promotes joint health

Side/Adverse Effects:

  • itching
  • edema
  • headache

Herb/Medication Interactions:
-May increase resistance to anti diabetic agents and insulin

Nursing Considerations:

  • Use glucosamine with caution in clients who have a shellfish allergy
  • Monitor glucose frequently in clients who have DM
  • Allow extended time to seethe effects of glucosamine
  • Use it often in combination with chondroitin
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8
Q

Chondrointin sulfate

A

Proposed Use:
-Relieves osteoarthritis

Side/Adverse Effects:

  • Headache
  • Hives
  • Photosensitivity
  • Hypertension
  • Constipation

Herb/Medication Interactions
-May increase the effects anticoagulants

Nursing Considerations:

  • Do not administer chondroitin sulfate to women who are pregnant or breast feeding
  • Often used in combination with glucosamine
  • Allow extended time to see effects
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9
Q

Omega-3 fatty acids

A

Proposed Uses:

  • Improves hypertriglyceridemia
  • Helps maintain cardiac health

Side/Adverse Effects:

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Hypotension

Herb/Medication Interactions:
-May increase risk of vitamin A or D overdose

Nursing Considerations:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish oils, nuts, and vegetable oils
  • Some fish contain methyl mercury and can be harmful in large amounts, especially to women who are pregnant or nursing
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10
Q

Melatonin

A

Proposed Uses:
-Treats insomnia and jet lag

Side/Adverse Effects:

  • Morning grogginess
  • Lower body temp
  • Vivid dreams

Herb/Medication Interactions:

  • Beta Blockers
  • Warfarin
  • Steroids

Nursing Considerations:
-Pregnant or nursing women should not take melatonin

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11
Q

Nursing assessments for Herbal Medications

A
  • Ask clients especially about herbal supplements
  • Discourage use in pregnant and nursing mothers, infants, young children, and older adults who have cardiovascular or liver disease
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