Nursing Fundamentals - Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) includes non-traditional therapies used alongside (complementary) or instead of (alternative) conventional medical treatments. CAM practices may involve herbal remedies, acupuncture, massage, yoga, or meditation to support healing and overall well-being.
What is complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)?
Non-conventional therapies that help heal the client or promote health.
Key Terms
What is complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)?
Non-conventional therapies that help heal the client or promote health.
What are the most common CAMs?
aromatherapy
herbs
meditation
tai chi
yoga
massage
relaxation techniques (music, guided imagery, or controlled ...
What is a very common reason a client may use CAM?
To control pain symptoms or relieve anxiety.
Complete the sentence:
Many herbs increase the risk of _____________.
bleeding
What are 2 nursing considerations for a client taking herbs?
Always ask if using herbs and which types.
Tell client to discontinue several weeks before surgery due to risk of bleeding.
Which herbs increase the risk of bleeding?
Garlic
Ginseng
Ginkgo
Ginger
if you notice, all these herbs start with “G”.
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
What is complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)? | Non-conventional therapies that help heal the client or promote health. |
What are the most common CAMs? | aromatherapy herbs meditation tai chi yoga massage relaxation techniques (music, guided imagery, or controlled breathing) |
What is a very common reason a client may use CAM? | To control pain symptoms or relieve anxiety. |
Complete the sentence: Many herbs increase the risk of _____________. | bleeding |
What are 2 nursing considerations for a client taking herbs? | Always ask if using herbs and which types. Tell client to discontinue several weeks before surgery due to risk of bleeding. |
Which herbs increase the risk of bleeding? | Garlic Ginseng Ginkgo Ginger if you notice, all these herbs start with “G”. |
What can garlic be taken for? | It’s a lipid-lowering agent to prevent cardiovascular disease. |
What can ginseng be taken for? | It can improve mental and physical stamina. |
What can ginkgo be taken for? | It’s an antiplatelet and helps improve memory. |
What can ginger be taken for? | It can prevent nausea and vomiting. |
What can saw palmetto be taken for? | It can help prevent benign prostate hyperplasia. |
What can kava kava and valerian be taken for? | They are anti-anxiety agents and can help with sleep disorders. |
What can St. John’s wort be taken for? | It can help treat depression. |
Define: Palliative care | The relief of symptoms throughout the entire course of an illness. It is appropriate for any age and any diagnosis. |
Define: Hospice care | Managing a client’s pain and comfort for those that have less than 6 months to live. |