U3.2 Alternative Therapy

Question 1

Dietary Supplement Health & Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA)

Answer 1

• Primary regulatory act for dietary supplements
• Exempts dietary supplements from FDA standards (however, supplements cannot claim to treat disease)
• Dietary supplements: diet enhancers, herbs, vitamins, minerals, metabolites

Question 2

Consumer Protection Act of 2006

Answer 2

Regulates serious adverse effects reporting (after the fact)

Question 3

Good Manufacturing Processes (2007)

Answer 3

• Must be labeled as a supplement
• Must be devoid of adulterants
• Label must say what is inside (including active & inactive ingredients)

Question 4

What is not regulated for dietary supplements?

Answer 4

• Adverse effects
• Standardization of dosages
• Safety

Question 5

Nursing Considerations w/ CAM:

Answer 5

• ID patient’s goal of therapy
• Avoid being judgmental
• Educate patient to strengths & weaknesses
• Avoid false hopes of a cure
• Keep current w/ info on CAM
• Encourage patients to seek info from reputable sources
• Obtain a thorough health hx
• ID patient’s use of CAM on records

Question 6

RDA

Answer 6

Recommended Dietary Allowance –> established by National Academy of Science’s Food & Nutrition Board

• Intake level that meets most people’s needs
• Well-balanced diet provides adequate vitamins & minerals
• Certain drugs can affect vitamin metabolism
• Some people need larger amounts of some vitamins: infants, pregnant women, older adults, vegetarians

Question 7

Vitamins

Answer 7

Nutrient substances required for health of body processes

• Water-soluble –> stored briefly, then excreted
• Fat-soluble –> stored in liver & fatty tissues

Question 8

Fat-soluble vitamins

Answer 8

ADEK

• Found in fatty foods & oils
• Stored in lipid tissue
• Excessive intake can be harmful

Question 9

Water-soluble vitamins

Answer 9

• Found in fresh fruits and vegetables
• Not stored in body
• Signs of deficiency appear quickly
• Excess intake is usually not harmful –> rapidly excreted