Chapter 2 Introduction To Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Question 1

Define “complementary and alternative medicine”

Answer 1

The broad range of healing philosophies, approaches, and therapies that mainstream Western medicine does not commonly use.

Question 2

Define “integrative medicine”

Answer 2

Practice of medicine that combines therapies from traditional Western medicine and contemporary and alternative medicine (CAM)

Question 3

Define “holistic care”

Answer 3

The connection and integration of the mind, body, and spirit

Question 4

Define “homeopaths”

Answer 4

Care providers who plan individualized care by prescribing small doses of specially prepared plant and animal extracts and minerals to promote healing

Question 5

Define “naturopath”

Answer 5

Holistic care provider who uses a combination of physical therapy, herbal preparations, homeopathic remedies, acupuncture, and lifestyle changes to improve health

Question 6

What does NCCAM stand for?

Answer 6

National Center for complementary and alternative medicine

Question 7

What is the purpose of the national center for complementary and alternative medicine?

Answer 7

1. Fund studies examining the effectiveness of various complementary therapies
2. The knowledge about complementary therapies of health professionals
3. Serve as a clearinghouse for information about these therapies

Question 8

What are the four NCCAM categories of CAM?

Answer 8

1. Natural products: neutrceuticals (dietary supplements), such as calcium and magnesium; probiotics, including foods (e.g., yogurt) and supplements (e.g., Lactobacillus)
2. Mind-body therapies: imagery, meditation music, humor, biofeedback, yoga, prayer, pet therapy
3. Manipulative and body-based therapies: chiropractic, tai chi
4. Other CAM therapies: healing touch, therapeutic touch, Reiki

Question 9

What does CAM stand for?

Answer 9

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Question 10

Define “aromatherapy”

Answer 10

A complementary therapy that uses essential oils obtained from plants to enhance psychological and physical well-being; may be applied in compresses, used in baths, or applied topically to the skin

Question 11

Define “imagery”

Answer 11

In complementary medicine, a mind-body therapy or form of distraction in which the patient is encouraged visualize or think about some pleasant or desirable feeling, sensation, or event

Question 12

Define “guided imagery”

Answer 12

An alternative therapy technique in which the patient is provided with images or prompts by a nurse, family member, or friend or via a tape

Question 13

Define “meditation”

Answer 13

A mind-body therapy using self-directed practices to relax the body and calm the mind

Question 14

! Nursing safety priority

Action Alert

Answer 14

Teach patient to check with their healthcare provider before starting yoga because it can be very strenuous. Encourage older adults to take a course that is designed for people older than 60 years. Inform them about community resources for yoga classes or DVDs that can be used at home for yoga practice now.

Question 15

Define “acupuncture”

Answer 15

A traditional Chinese medicine therapy in which tiny needles are inserted into the skin and subcutaneous tissues at certain areas of the body to deliver manual vibration or electrical.

Question 16

! Nursing safety priority

Action alert

Answer 16

Because of cultural differences related to touch and personal preferences related to touch, be sure to obtain the patient’s permission before using massage. Do you not massage over reddened, bruised, or infected areas of skin.

Question 17

Define “massage”

Answer 17

The use of various strokes and pressure to manipulate soft tissues for therapeutic purposes.

Question 18

Define “Tai Chi”

Answer 18

A holistic movement therapy derived from a traditional Chinese martial art; has been adapted as a mind-body exercise that integrates body movements, mental concentration, muscle relaxation, and breathing to promote the flow of qi, or energy, in the body.

Question 19

! Nursing safety priority

Action alert

Answer 19

Be aware that some patients experience dizziness and nausea during the energy therapy session. For that reason, use with caution in order adults and monitor them carefully during therapy.

Question 20

💡Decision-making challenge
Evidence-Based Practice
A patient with liver cancer is experiencing increased pain and wants to supplement his drug therapy to prevent sedation and decreased alertness. He continues to go into the office where he works every day as a manager of a large clothing store. He tells you as his office nurse that is getting harder to concentrate as his opioid doses increase.
1. Based on current evidence, what CAM therapies do you think would be best for the patient at this time and why?
2. What tools and resources did you use to answer Question 1?
3. How are you evaluate whether CAM therapies have been effective for this patient?

Answer 20

Answer

Question 21

Considerations for older adults

Answer 21

Tai chi has been used successfully with older adults and community and healthcare settings.

Question 22

What does TT stand for?

Answer 22

Therapeutic Touch

Question 23

Therapeutic touch, the most well-known energy therapy, was developed by Delores Krieger, a U.S.nurse, in the 1970s. It is based on the assumption that illness is an imbalance in the flow of energy or the energy patterns within the body. What are the five steps?

Answer 23

1. Centering
2. Assessing the energy field
3. Clearing and mobilizing the patient’s energy field
4. Directing energy for healing
5. Balancing the energy field

Question 24

Reiki is a Japanese spiritual healing therapy that has been used for almost 100 years. How many positions does a healer use?

Answer 24

12 to 15 positions are used.