Chapter 47 (Complimentary Meds) Flashcards

1
Q

Alternative Medicine

A

Refers to using a non-mainstreamed practice in place of conventional medicine.

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2
Q

Complimentary Medicine

A

Refers to using a non-mainstreamed practice together WITH conventional medicine.

When complimentary and conventional treatments come together, the focus becomes emphasizing a holistic and client-focused approach to health care, often called integrative health.

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3
Q

Natural Products and herbal therapies

A

EXEMPT from FDA!

“Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease” must be printed on supplement labels.

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4
Q

Facts about Aloe Vera

A

Anti-inflammatory/analgesic properties.
-works well for burns, soothes pain, softens skin.

Oral Aloe has LAXATIVE EFFECT!

Interacts w/: Digoxin, diuretics, corticosteroids, and heart meds (antidysrhythmics)

Teach patients importance of recognizing manifestations of fluid and electrolyte imbalance if using a laxative.

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5
Q

Facts about Black Cohosh

A

Treats manifestations of menopause and it acts as an estrogen substitute.

Adverse Effects:
GI distress, light headedness, headache, rash, weight gain.
Avoid taking during pregnancy.
Limit use to no longer than 6 months due to lack of info of long term effects.

Interactions: Increases effects of antihypertensive meds (can make you have low blood pressure)

Increases hypoglycemic effects.

Nursing Admin: question clients who take anti hypertensives, insulin, hypoglycemic agents, hormone therapy or clients who might be pregnant about possible use of black cohosh.

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6
Q

Facts on Echinacea

A

Stimulates the immune system
Decreases inflammation

Adverse effects:
- bitter taste
- mild GI manifestations or fever
- allergic reactions; contraindicated for pt’s with hay fever.

Interactions:
With chronic use (more than 6 months) can decrease the positive effects of meds for TB, HIV, or cancer.

Nursing admin: question clients who have TB, cancer, HIV, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis about concurrent use. Advise patients to talk to the provider.

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7
Q

Facts about Feverfew

A

INTERFERES w/ ANTICOAGULANTS! Blocks platelet aggregation (increases bleeding)

Interactions: increased risk of bleeding in clients taking NSAIDS, heparin, or warfarin.

Nursing admin:
Question clients about use of anticoagulants and NSAIDS.
Discontinue 2 weeks before elective surgery.

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8
Q

Facts about Garlic

A

Blocks LDL cholestorol, raises HDL, lowers triglycerides. Disrupts coagulation. Acts as vasodilator (can lower BP)

Adverse Effects: GI manifestations, bad breath, and body odor.

Nursing admin: question clients about use of anticoagulants and NSAIDS.

CAN INTERFERE WITH ANTICOAGULATNS, IT WILL MAKE YOU BLEED MORE IF YOU HAVE CLOTTING ISSUE!!!

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9
Q

Facts on Ginger Root

A

Relieves vertigo and nausea, increases intestinal motility, increases mucous production, decreases GI spasms, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.

Adverse effects:
High doses in clients who are pregnant can cause uterine contractions.
CNS depression and cardiac dysrhythmias with excessive ingestion.

Interactions: interferes with coagulation meds (NSAIDS, Warfarin, heparin)
Can increase hypoglycemic effects of antidiabetic meds.

INTERFERES WITH ANTICOAGULANTS!

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10
Q

Facts on Ginkgo Biloba

A

Promotes vasodilation; decreases leg pain from occlusive arterial disorders. Decreases platelet aggregation; can decrease risk of thrombosis. Decreases bronchospasms. Increases blood flow to brain, claims to improve memory.

Adverse effects:
Mild GI upset, avoid in clients at risk for seizures.

CONTAINS IODINE, QUESTION PATIENTS WHO ARE ALLERGIC TO SHELLFISH B/C MANY PEOPLE THAT ARE ALLERGIC TO SHELLFISH ARE ALLERGIC TO THE IODINE.

INTERFERES WITH ANTICOAGULANTS!

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11
Q

Facts on Glucosamine

A

Stimulates cells to make cartilage and synovial fluid; helps with joint stiffness/aging.

INTERFERES WITH ANTICOAGULANTS!

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12
Q

Facts on St. John’s Wort

A

Affects serotonin, producing antidepressant effects. It’s used for mild to moderate depression. Also used orally as an analgesic to relieve pain/inflammation. Applied topically to treat infection.

Adverse effects:
Dry mouth, lightheadedness, constipation, GI upset. Skin rash w/ exposure to sunlight.

Interactions: decreases effectiveness of oral contraceptives, cyclosporines, digoxin, calcium channel blockers, HIV protease, and some anticancer meds. Can accelerate the metabolism of many drugs, increasing their effects.

INTERFERES WITH ANTICOAGULANTS!

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13
Q

Facts on Saw Palmetto

A

Used for prostate and urinary issues typically.

Adverse effects:
Mild GI effects, contraindicated during pregnancy.

Interactions:
Possible additive effects with finasteride.
Can interact with antiplatelet and anticoagulant meds.

CAN INTERFERE WITH ANTICOAGULANTS!

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14
Q

Facts on Valerian

A

Used for sleep, reduces anxiety related to restlessness, drowsiness effect increases over time.

Adverse effects: can cause drowsiness, lightheadedness, and depression.
High risk for PHYSICAL DEPENDENCE! Addictive. It affects GABA!
Avoid if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Nursing admin: warn clients about possible drowsiness when operating motor vehicles or other equipment.

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15
Q

Facts about Cannabis (Medical Marijuana)

A

Schedule I type controlled substance.

Two FDA approved medications— dronabinol and nabilone that are derived from chemical components of marijuana; treats nausea and anorexia.

Qualifying conditions:
- cachexia (weakening of the body from chronic illness, malnourished)
- anorexia
- chemo
- pain
- chronic pain
- neuropathy (from HIV/AIDS, MS, or diabetes)
- spasticity (from MS or spinal cord injury)

Adverse effects:
Increase heart rate
Sleepiness
Decreased BP and urination
Dry mouth and eyes
Hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia
Exacerbation of asthma, cardiac disease
Possible dependency
Exacerbation of alcohol or other substance dependencies.

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