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Questions and Answers
What is the main focus of acupressure?
What is the main focus of acupressure?
Which therapy is characterized by the use of pure essential oils for health benefits?
Which therapy is characterized by the use of pure essential oils for health benefits?
What does complementary therapy aim to achieve?
What does complementary therapy aim to achieve?
What is the primary method used in biofeedback?
What is the primary method used in biofeedback?
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Which therapy is based on the principle that different parts of the foot correspond to specific body areas?
Which therapy is based on the principle that different parts of the foot correspond to specific body areas?
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What is the main characteristic of alternative therapy compared to complementary therapy?
What is the main characteristic of alternative therapy compared to complementary therapy?
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Which of the following best describes holistic nursing?
Which of the following best describes holistic nursing?
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What are complementary therapies primarily used for?
What are complementary therapies primarily used for?
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What distinguishes alternative therapies from complementary therapies?
What distinguishes alternative therapies from complementary therapies?
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Which statement correctly describes herbal therapy?
Which statement correctly describes herbal therapy?
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Which of the following is a potential risk when combining prescription drugs and herbal remedies?
Which of the following is a potential risk when combining prescription drugs and herbal remedies?
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How is chiropractic therapy primarily characterized?
How is chiropractic therapy primarily characterized?
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What is a common misconception about acupuncture?
What is a common misconception about acupuncture?
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Which of the following is true regarding the unregulated manufacturing of herbal products?
Which of the following is true regarding the unregulated manufacturing of herbal products?
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What role do nurses play in the context of herbal products and dietary supplements?
What role do nurses play in the context of herbal products and dietary supplements?
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Which of the following statements is accurate regarding the establishment of the Office of Alternative Medicine?
Which of the following statements is accurate regarding the establishment of the Office of Alternative Medicine?
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What is the primary purpose of acupuncture as described?
What is the primary purpose of acupuncture as described?
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Which statement about needles used in acupuncture is accurate?
Which statement about needles used in acupuncture is accurate?
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What is the effect of acupressure on the body?
What is the effect of acupressure on the body?
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What are the potential risks associated with aromatherapy?
What are the potential risks associated with aromatherapy?
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What is a significant contraindication for magnetic therapy?
What is a significant contraindication for magnetic therapy?
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Which of the following is NOT a claimed benefit of reflexology?
Which of the following is NOT a claimed benefit of reflexology?
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What technique is commonly combined with imagery therapy for enhanced effect?
What technique is commonly combined with imagery therapy for enhanced effect?
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Which of the following statements regarding the practice of therapeutic massage is true?
Which of the following statements regarding the practice of therapeutic massage is true?
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What is a common physiological response to magnetic field exposure?
What is a common physiological response to magnetic field exposure?
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Acupressure primarily employs acupuncture needles to relieve muscle tension.
Acupressure primarily employs acupuncture needles to relieve muscle tension.
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Aromatherapy utilizes essential oils extracted from plants for therapeutic benefits.
Aromatherapy utilizes essential oils extracted from plants for therapeutic benefits.
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Chiropractic therapies are founded on the belief that the body can heal itself through vigorous exercise.
Chiropractic therapies are founded on the belief that the body can heal itself through vigorous exercise.
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Complementary therapies are used in isolation from conventional medical treatments.
Complementary therapies are used in isolation from conventional medical treatments.
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The technique of reflexology is based on the concept that specific areas of the feet correspond to glands and organs in the body.
The technique of reflexology is based on the concept that specific areas of the feet correspond to glands and organs in the body.
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Study Notes
Complementary Therapies
- These therapies are used in addition to conventional (Western) medicine.
- Between one-third and one-half of the US population uses CAM.
- Examples of complementary therapies:
- Exercise
- Massage
- Reflexology
- Prayer
- Guided Imagery
- Creative Therapies
- Relaxation Strategies
- Therapeutic Touch
- Chiropractic therapy
- Biofeedback
- Acupuncture
- Herbalism
Alternative Therapies
- These therapies replace conventional medicine.
- Clients use this form of therapy because they see it as less invasive.
- Alternative therapies are not used for immediate cures.
- The Office of Alternative Medicine was established in 1992 to evaluate alternative medical treatments.
Herbal Therapy
- Herbal therapy has been practiced for thousands of years.
- Herbal therapies are often gentler than pharmaceuticals.
- The goal of herbal therapy is to restore balance within the individual.
- Herbal preparations use unpurified extracts of whole plants.
- Some herbs may be toxic if used incorrectly.
- Herbal medicines are sold as foods or food supplements.
Chiropractic Therapy
- Exists since the late 1800s.
- It is an acceptable treatment for back pain and headaches.
- Chiropractors undergo training in musculoskeletal manipulation.
- Chiropractic therapy focuses on the body's capacity to heal itself.
- Chiropractors adjust joints, usually vertebrae, to restore proper alignment.
- They use radiographs for diagnosis and hot/cold packs for treatment.
- Chiropractic care often involves lifestyle changes such as exercise.
Acupuncture
- Acupuncture is a key modality in Chinese medicine.
- It's based on the belief that energy (Qi) flows through the body along meridians.
- Blockages in meridians cause illness or discomfort.
- Acupuncture stimulates specific points (acupoints) with needles.
- Acupuncturists insert thin, sterile, one-time use needles.
- The needles are manually, electrically, or thermally stimulated.
- Acupuncture is used to treat a range of conditions, including pain, neurological disorders, and addictions.
Acupressure
- Acupressure applies gentle pressure to acupoints.
- Pressure is applied with fingers or blunt objects.
- It reduces tension, increases circulation, and encourages relaxation.
- Acupressure helps relieve stress, promote wellness, and aid in sleep.
Energy Field Therapies
- Healing Touch
- Therapeutic Touch
- Reiki is the most popular energy field therapy in the US.
- Verbal consent is obtained before starting a session.
- Energy field therapies are not religious or atheistic practices.
- Prayer may be incorporated into the session.
Therapeutic Massage
- Nurses have used massage to relax patients and prevent skin breakdown.
- Therapeutic massage is performed by a trained professional.
- Nurses may incorporate massage into their plans of care.
- Massage can be relaxing or energizing and used to heal or prevent injuries.
- A general health profile is needed before massage.
- Massage is contraindicated for patients with phlebitis, thrombosis, or infectious skin diseases.
- Massage uses oils or lotions, so client allergies should be checked first.
Aromatherapy
- Aromatherapy uses essential oils to provide health benefits.
- Oils are formulated for inhalation, topical application, or bathing.
- Scents are often used for their psychological effects, and may be dispersed with candles or oil diffusers.
- Certain scents may be taken orally but require prescriptions from qualified practitioners.
- Essential oils are thought to relax, stimulate, improve digestion, increase hormone production, and improve circulation or memory.
- Essential oils should not be applied to patients with atopic eczema.
- Asthmatic patients may experience exaggerated symptoms from aromatic essences.
- Essential oils with abortifacient potential should be avoided during pregnancy.
Reflexology
- Reflexology involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, and ears.
- Reflexologists use foot charts to guide their treatment.
- Reflexology aims to influence the entire body by targeting specific points.
- It is believed that reflexology can interfere with medical or alternative treatments.
- A complete health history is required.
- Reflexologists are not qualified to diagnose medical conditions.
- Benefits of reflexology include relaxation, enhanced circulation, metabolism normalization, and complementing other healing modalities.
Magnetic Therapy
- The exact mechanism of magnetic therapy is unknown.
- It is thought to increase circulation to the affected area, promote healing, and stimulate acupoints.
- Magnets are used to increase circulation, increase energy levels, and decrease pain.
- Magnets are placed over the affected area using jewelry, wraps, or tape.
- Magnet insoles are placed in shoes.
- Magnetic field exposure can cause:
- Vasodilation
- Analgesia
- Anti-inflammation
- Spasmolytic activity
- Healing acceleration
- Anti-edema activity
- Contraindications for magnetic therapy include:
- Pregnancy
- Patients with pacemakers
- Insulin delivery systems
- Cochlear implants
- Defibrillators
- Use of electric blankets or heating pads
- Myasthenia gravis
- Hyperthyroidism
- Adrenal gland dysfunction
- Hypothalamic and pituitary dysfunctions
Imagery Therapy
- Imagery therapy or visualization techniques use mental images to evoke physical changes, improve well-being, and enhance self-awareness.
- Imagery is often combined with relaxation training to enhance its effects.
- Imagery can be self-directed or guided by a practitioner.
- Imagery has the power to trigger significant psycho-physiologic responses.
- Imagery can involve visual, auditory, proprioceptive, gustatory, and olfactory senses.
- Imagery has been used to treat chronic conditions such as asthma, hypertension, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Relaxation Therapy
- Relaxation therapy is a state of reduced cognitive, physiologic, or behavioral arousal.
- The goal of relaxation therapy is to empower individuals to recognize and release tension.
- The process of relaxation lengthens muscle fibers, reduces neural impulses, and decreases overall body activity.
- The relaxation response is characterized by:
- Decreased heart and respiratory rates
- Decreased blood pressure
- Decreased oxygen consumption
- Increased alpha-wave brain activity
- Increased peripheral skin temperature
- Various techniques achieve the relaxation response, incorporating repetitive mental focus and calmness.
Yoga
- Yoga means "union" and has been practiced in India for over 5000 years.
- Yoga is a system of therapy and practice involving breathing exercises, physical postures, and meditation.
- Yoga is increasingly recognized as a therapeutic treatment in Western medicine.
- There are over 100 different schools of yoga. Hatha yoga is the most common in the US.
- All schools of yoga share basic principles:
- Body control
- Correct posture
- Breathing
- Emotion and mind control
- Meditation and contemplation
- Everyone can practice yoga, including children, athletes, and people with disabilities.
- Yoga provides numerous benefits:
- Toning muscles, including those in the internal organs.
- Increased spine flexibility.
- Improved chronic back issues.
- Promotes deep relaxation and stress reduction.
- Patient teaching:
- Patients with glaucoma should avoid inverted poses, such as the downward dog, as they can cause temporary pressure increases in the eye.
Older Adult Considerations
- Essential oils should be used in smaller amounts and lower concentrations.
- Older adults should have professional supervision prior to using herbal treatments.
- Exercise is beneficial but should be adjusted based on individual conditions.
- Massage should utilize lighter pressure.
- Magnets cannot be used on patients with pacemakers.
Cultural and Ethnic Considerations
- Avoid using the term "alternative therapy" as it may be perceived as disrespectful to the patient's beliefs.
- Be sensitive to cultural and religious differences.
- Honor the patient's culturally based health beliefs.
- Remember that each individual is culturally unique and shaped by their experiences, beliefs, and norms.
- Seek permission before touching the patient.
Complementary Therapies
- Complementary therapies are used in addition to traditional medicine
- Between one-third and one-half of the U.S. population uses one or more forms of complementary therapies
- Examples include exercise, massage, reflexology, prayer, guided imagery, creative therapies, relaxation strategies, therapeutic touch, chiropractic therapy, biofeedback, and acupuncture
- Complementary therapies do not replace traditional medicine
Alternative Therapies
- Alternative therapies are the same as complementary therapies but may replace traditional medicine
- Clients may find alternative therapies less invasive than traditional medicine
- Alternative therapies are not for the immediate cure for illness or acute injury
- An example is herbal therapy
Herbal Therapy
- Herbal therapy seeks to restore balance in the body and facilitate self-healing
- Herbal preparations are usually unpurified extracts of the whole plant
- One herb can be used for a variety of purposes
- The quality of herbal products is unregulated
- Herbs are sold as foods or food supplements
Pharmaceutical Therapy
- Pharmaceuticals (drugs) derived from herbs are more potent than the herbs themselves
- There is a risk of adverse interactions with other medications
- Drug therapy targets specific diseases or symptoms
Chiropractic Therapy
- Chiropractic uses gentle manipulation of the musculoskeletal system to put a disturbed area back in alignment
- Chiropractic began in the late 1800s and is acceptable treatment for certain disorders
- The chiropractor does not prescribe medication as part of the treatment
Acupuncture
- This therapy is based on the belief that Qi (life force) flows through meridians (channels of energy)
- Blocked meridians cause illness
- Acupuncture stimulates acupoints with needles to open meridians and allow Qi to flow freely
- Acupuncture is used to treat low back pain, myofascial pain, headaches, sciatica, shoulder pain, tennis elbow, osteoarthritis, whiplash, and musculoskeletal sprains
Acupressure
- Acupressure uses gentle pressure on the body at similar points to acupuncture
- Pressure may be applied with a finger or small blunt object
- Acupressure reduces tension, increases circulation, and enables the body to relax
Energy Field Therapies
- Include healing touch, therapeutic touch, and reiki
- Therapists quiet the mind and work with the patient’s energy field
- Energy field therapies are not religious or atheistic practices; prayer may be included.
Massage
- Massage is a form of touch used by nurses to relax patients and help prevent skin integrity issues
- Therapeutic massage is performed by trained professionals to manipulate soft tissues and assist with healing
- There are various types of massage designed to heal or prevent injury
- Avoid massage on patients with phlebitis or thrombosis
Aromatherapy
- Uses essential oils produced from plants to provide health benefits
- Essential oils can be used for inhalation, topically, or in bathing
- Certain scents are thought to relax or stimulate, aid digestion, increase hormone production, and improve circulation or memory
- Avoid the use of essential oils on the skin of a client with atopic eczema
Reflexology
- Apply pressure to specific areas of the feet, hands, and ears to exert an effect on the entire body
- Reflexologists use foot charts to identify areas
- Reflexology can interfere with medical and alternative treatments
- Main benefits of reflexology are: relaxation, improved circulation, improved metabolism, and complements other healing modalities
Magnetic Therapy
- Magnetic therapy uses magnets to increase circulation, increase energy, and decrease pain
- The magnet is placed over the affected area
- Common physiologic responses include vasodilation, analgesia, anti-inflammatory action, spasmolytic action, healing acceleration, and anti-edema activity
Imagery Therapy
- Uses the conscious mind to create mental images to create physical changes, improve well-being, and enhance self-awareness
- Frequently combines with relaxation training
- Can be self-directed or guided
- Creates psycho-physiologic responses including alterations in immune function
Relaxation Therapy
- Relaxation therapy decreases cognitive, physiologic, or behavioral arousal
- The goal of relaxation therapy is for the person to monitor themselves for tension and release the tension
- The relaxation response is characterized by decreased heart and respiratory rates, decreased blood pressure, decreased oxygen consumption, increased alpha-wave brain activity and increased peripheral skin temperature
Yoga
- The word yoga means “yoke” or union of the personal self with the divine source
- Yoga began in India over 5000 years ago and uses breathing exercises, physical postures, and meditation
- Yoga is becoming recognized as a therapeutic treatment
- There are many benefits to yoga including muscle toning, increased flexibility, stress reduction, and improved flexibility of the spine
Older Adult Considerations
- May be more sensitive to essential oils
- Should have professional supervision before taking herbal treatments
- Should adapt exercise to their condition
- Massage should use light pressure
- Magnets cannot be used on patients with pacemakers
Cultural/Ethnic Considerations
- Avoid the term "alternative therapy."
- Be sensitive to cultural beliefs and respect differences in health beliefs
- Ask permission before touching a patient
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the diverse world of complementary and alternative therapies in this quiz. Learn about various treatments like herbal therapy, acupuncture, and exercise that complement or replace conventional medicine. Understand their purposes, benefits, and historical context.
