Complementary and Alternative Therapies Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of biofeedback in patient care?

To provide invasive treatments for neurological issues

To enable patients to control their responses through awareness (correct)

To alleviate symptoms of anxiety without patient involvement

To enhance the effectiveness of surgical procedures

Which of the following is NOT a method of relaxation therapy mentioned?

Relaxing with music

Progressive relaxation

Aromatherapy breathing (correct)

Sensory pacing

How should nurses approach the use of complementary and alternative therapies?

By practicing outside the legal scope as necessary

By being informed about state laws and ethical practices (correct)

By ignoring patients' cultural beliefs

By focusing solely on traditional treatment methods

What is one of the complexities surrounding the therapeutic use of marijuana?

Variability in effects among different patients and conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which relaxation technique involves visualizing calming images?

Guided imagery Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of complementary therapies?

They are used in conjunction with conventional treatments. Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates alternative therapies from complementary therapies?

Alternative therapies may replace conventional medicine as the primary treatment. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key principle of holistic nursing?

Treating the patient’s mind-body-spirit connection. Signup and view all the answers

Why may herbal therapies pose safety concerns?

They are sold as foods without regulation, not proving safety. Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental belief in chiropractic therapy?

The body has an innate ability to heal itself. Signup and view all the answers

What is the method used in acupuncture?

Inserting needles to stimulate certain points on the body. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of acupressure?

Relieving muscle tension Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about herbal therapy is false?

Herbal extracts are highly purified and standardized. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding therapeutic massage?

It manipulates the soft tissues of the body. Signup and view all the answers

What is the nurse’s approach when obtaining a health history?

Project an open and nonjudgmental attitude. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of therapy does NOT include doctors prescribing medications?

Chiropractic therapy Signup and view all the answers

How can essential oils in aromatherapy be utilized?

For both inhalation and topical application Signup and view all the answers

What does reflexology focus on?

Applying pressure to specific areas on the feet Signup and view all the answers

What common use does acupuncture have?

To stimulate areas for pain perception and disease prevention. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about yoga is accurate?

It combines breathing exercises, postures, and meditation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of T'ai Chi/Taiji?

Enhanced balance and leg strength Signup and view all the answers

Animal-assisted therapy primarily utilizes which type of animal?

Dogs Signup and view all the answers

What is magnet therapy contraindicated for?

Pacemakers and defibrillators Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a benefit of acupressure?

Strengthens bones Signup and view all the answers

In which type of environment should a therapeutic massage ideally take place?

A warm, relaxing atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Complementary and Alternative Therapies (CAM)

CAM therapies are used to either supplement or replace conventional medicine
Holistic nursing addresses the mind-body-spirit of the patient and can be used for all types of care

Safety of Herbal Therapies

Herbal therapies are often sold as foods or food supplements
The FDA does not regulate herbal supplements
Herbal supplements can vary in potency, quality, and chemical content

Chiropractic Therapy

A doctor of chiropractic medicine uses manipulation of the musculoskeletal system, but does not prescribe medications

Acupuncture and Acupressure

Acupuncture uses special needles to stimulate points on the body, while acupressure uses gentle finger pressure to stimulate points on the body.

Therapeutic Massage

Massage, performed by a trained professional, manipulates soft tissues for healing
Massage can be relaxing or energizing
Massage is contraindicated for patients with phlebitis, thrombosis, and infectious skin diseases.

Aromatherapy

Essential oils are used to provide health benefits and can be applied topically or through inhalation

Reflexology

Specific pressure is applied to the feet to treat the entire body
The manipulations of specific reflexes can relieve stress

Animal-Assisted Therapy

This therapy uses animals for therapeutic purposes, usually with dogs

Yoga

Yoga is a combination of physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation
Regular practice can tone muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce stress

T’ai Chi/Taiji

A blend of martial arts and Daoist philosophy with a focus on relaxation and mental focus
Benefits include improvement in balance, leg strength, cardiorespiratory function, and range of motion

Energy Field and Other Therapies

Magnet therapy is not recommended for patients with pacemakers, defibrillators, insulin pumps, and cochlear implants
Imagery is building images in the mind to relax the body
Relaxation therapy includes many methods like rhythmic breathing, sensory pacing, and color exchange

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a non-invasive technique that measures specific body functions and allows patients to learn to control their responses

Marijuana

Marijuana is used for a variety of conditions and its therapeutic applications are controversial
Nurses should be aware of the complexities of marijuana and cannabinoids as CAM

Nursing Role in Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Nurses should be aware of their state nurse practice act and practice within the scope of the law
Nurses can offer guidance to patients who are interested in exploring CAM therapies based on the patients' religious and cultural beliefs.

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Description

Explore various complementary and alternative therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic therapy, and herbal treatments. This quiz covers their benefits, safety considerations, and unique approaches to health care. Test your knowledge on the holistic aspects of healing.