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consider to be alternative medicine comes from the
therapies, some of which may be potentially harmful
Eastern world, folk medicine, and religious and spiritual
(Ranzini et al., 2001).
practices. There is no unifying basic theory for the
numerous treatments or modalities, except (as noted pre-
Types of Complementary
viously) that health and illness are considered to be com-
and Alternative Medicine
plex interactions among the body, mind, and spirit.
CAM includes diverse practices, products, and health care
Nursing Management
systems that are not currently considered to be part of con-
ventional medicine (NCCAM, 2004b). Complementary Because of heightened interest in complementary treat-
medicine is used together with conventional medicine, such ments and their widening use, anecdotal efficacy, and
as using aromatherapy to reduce discomfort after surgery. growing supporting research evidence, nurses need to be
Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medi- sensitive to and knowledgeable enough to answer many
cine, such as eating a special natural diet to treat cancer of the questions patients ask and to guide them in a safe,
instead of undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation objective way (Tryens et al., 2004). Traditional reme-
that has been recommended by a conventional doctor. dies need to be integrated with mainstream medicine
Table 2-5 Selected Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Table 2-5
Therapy Description
Aromatherapy Use of essential oils to stimulate the sense of smell for balancing mind, body, and spirit
Homeopathy Based on the theory of  like treats like ; helps restore the body s natural balance
Acupressure Restores balance by pressing an appropriate point so self-healing capacities can
take over
Feng Shui (pronounced The Chinese art of placement. Objects are positioned in the environment to induce
fung shway) harmony with chi.
Guided imagery Uses consciously chosen positive and healing images, along with deep relaxation to
reduce stress and to help people cope
Reflexology Uses deep massage on identified points on the foot or hand to scan and rebalance
body parts that correspond with each point
Therapeutic touch Includes balancing energy by centering, invoking an intention to heal, and moving
the hands from the head to the feet several inches from the skin
Herbal medicine The therapeutic use of plants for healing and treating disease and conditions
Spiritual healing Praying, chanting, presence, laying on of hands, rituals, and meditation to assist in
the healing process
.
Adapted from Littleton and Engebretson (2002).
3132-02_CH02.qxd 12/15/05 3:01 PM Page 38
38 Unit 1 INTRODUCTION TO MATERNITY, NEWBORN, AND WOMEN S HEALTH NURSING
when patients are taking modern drugs. Many patients " Research CAM through resources such as books, Web
who use complementary or alternative therapies do not sites, and articles (Clark et al., 2003).
reveal this fact to their health care provider. One of the
Nurses need to remember that when they provide
nurse s most important roles during the assessment phase
guidance to women concerning CAM therapies, stress
of the nursing process is to encourage clients to commu-
to them that they check with their health care provider
nicate their use of these therapies to eliminate the possi-
before taking any  natural substance. The use of com-
bility of harmful interactions and contraindications with
plementary therapies is widespread, especially by women
current medical therapies. When assessing clients, it is
desiring to alleviate the nausea and vomiting of early preg-
important to ask specific questions about any nonprescrip-
nancy. Ginger tea, sea-bands, and vitamin B6 are typically
tion medications they may be taking, including vitamins,
used to treat morning sickness (Gaffney & Smith, 2004).
minerals, or herbs. Clients should also be questioned about
Although these may not cause any ill effects during the
any therapies they are taking that have not been ordered
pregnancy, the fact that most substances ingested cross
by their primary health care provider.
the placenta and have the potential to reach the growing
A few common nursing diagnoses that might be applic-
embryo, it is imperative to emphasize to all pregnant
able for clients using CAM are as follows:
women that it is better to be safe than sorry. Women at
" Deficient knowledge regarding the benefits of CAM risk for osteoporosis are seeking alternative therapies to
" Deficient knowledge regarding the potential risks linked
hormone replacement since the release of data from the
with CAM
Women s Health Initiative (WHI) study placed doubt on
" Ineffective health maintenance related to traditional
estrogen. Some of the alternative therapies for osteoporo-
medicine
sis include soy isoflavones, progesterone cream, magnet
therapy, tai chi, and hip protectors (Kessenich, 2004).
Nurses who treat patients who practice CAM may
In addition, menopausal women seek CAM therapies to
want to consider some of the following tips:
reduce the incidence of hot flashes. Once again, despite
" Be culturally sensitive to nontraditional treatments.
many  natural herbs claims, most of the therapies have
" Acknowledge and respect different beliefs, attitudes,
not undergone scientific inquiry and thus could place the
and lifestyles.
woman at risk if mixed with traditional medicines.
" Keep an open mind; standard medical treatments do
A large increase in the use of CAM has occurred dur-
not work for all women.
ing the past decade. This situation has precipitated many
" Accept CAM and integrate it if it brings comfort with-
issues, including the safety and true value of many of the
out harm.
therapies. Nurses must educate themselves about the pros
" Provide accurate information, not unsubstantiated
and cons of CAM and be prepared to discuss and help their
opinions.
patients make sense of it all. Expanding our consciousness
" Advise clients how they can best monitor their condi-
by understanding and respecting diverse cultures and
tion using CAM.
CAM will enable nurses to provide the best potential treat-
" Discourage practices only if they are harmful to the
ment for patients and their families entrusted to our deliv-
client s health.
ery of community-based care.
" Instruct the client to weigh the risks and benefits of
CAM use.
KEY CONCEPTS
" Avoid confrontation when asking clients about CAM.
Ï% Community-based nursing uses the nursing process
" Be reflective, nonjudgmental, and open-minded about
in caring for patients within community settings and
CAM.
applies primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention
The nurse can offer clients the following guidelines:
levels.
Ï% Health care delivery has moved from acute care
" Do not take for granted that because a substance is a nat-
settings out into the community, with an emphasis
ural herb or plant product, it is beneficial or harmless.
on health promotion and illness prevention.
" Seek medical care when ill.
Ï% Nurses have a variety of job opportunities in ambu-
" Always inform the provider if herbs are being used. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]