Week 9

Question 1

Examples of complementary/ alternative therapies (CAM)

Answer 1

Massage therapy, yoga, meditation, traditional Chinese medicine, aromatherapy, traditional Indigenous medicine, etc.

Question 2

What are the domains of CAM

Answer 2

• Biological
• Alternative medical systems
• Mind-body interventions
• Manipulative and body based methods
• Energy/ Biofield therapies

Question 3

What are some biological-based therapies

Answer 3

Diet changes
Vitamins and supplements
topical treatments

Question 4

What are some Alternative medical systems

Answer 4

Acupuncture

Question 5

What are some mind-body interventions

Answer 5

Yoga
Relaxation therapy
Guided imagery
Exercise

Question 6

What are manipulative and body-based methods

Answer 6

Exercise
Taichi
Chiropractic Intervention
Therapeutic touch

Question 7

What are energy/ biofield interventions

Answer 7

Spirituality

Question 8

Benefits of CAM for chronic illness

Answer 8

• Emphasis on prevention and wellness, rather than treating symptoms and preexisting conditions
• Avoids or alleviates severe side effects of prescribed medication or treatments
• Can provide different treatment options when current medical regimes aren’t working
• Can be used when “traditional” medicine is not accessible
• Encourage patient involvement in care/ control over care

Question 9

Challenges of CAM

Answer 9

• Not well regulated in Canada for products or professionals
• Lack of research
• Which both put patients at risk

Question 10

What is the nursing responsibility when it comes to CAMs?

Answer 10

Based on the code of standard it is our primary duty to provide safe/ ethical care.
If we are to use/ recommend a therapy we must understand the purpose, indication, contraindications, risks and expected outcomes