Chapter 34 Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Maternity and Pediatric Nursing

Definition of CAM Therapies Complementary therapy Nontraditional therapy that is used with traditional or conventional therapy Alternative therapy Unconventional or nontraditional that replaces conventional or traditional therapy Also known as Integrative therapies Integrative healing Holistic healing

Nurse’s Role in CAM Therapy Cultural competence is a sensitivity and respect for practices and philosophies different from one’s own The need for nurses to understand CAM therapy, how it can be used, and how it may interact with or enhance traditional medical and nursing care are important Nurses need to understand basic underlying philosophies and beliefs concerning CAM interventions

Nurse’s Role in CAM Therapy (cont.) Is not to promote CAM therapy but to recognize and respect its use Use critical thinking skills to determine interactions with traditional therapies Work with the patient as a partner in the delivery of health care Cultural competence is a sensitivity and respect for practices and philosophies different from one’s own Understand CAM therapy, how it can be used, and how it may interact with or enhance traditional medical and nursing care are important Understand basic underlying philosophies and beliefs concerning CAM interventions

Cautions in CAM Therapy Herbs can Interact with cardiac drugs Affect glucose control in patients with diabetes Lower the concentration of some synthetic drugs Lower the blood level of some medications for HIV/AIDS See Table 34-1 pg. 762 Polypharmacy should be avoided; the use of some drugs with herbal remedies can be dangerous

Massage Thought to bolster immune response Rolfing—thought to improve muscle and bone function Perineal massage in preparation for labor Effleurage—pain relief Gentle touch—for premature infants Massage and manipulative therapy are contraindicated in patients with: Downs syndrome, cancer, osteoporosis, infection, cardiac/circulatory disorders

Acupuncture and Acupressure Complex meridians that are pathways to specific organs or parts of the body It is at these points that positive or negative energy can be realigned “Chi” energy is thought to regulate proper body function Points to avoid during pregnancy are Bottom of foot Inner lower leg Base of thumb Most areas over abdomen

Homeopathy Uses plants, herbs, and earth minerals Belief that disease is an energy imbalance and that prescribed remedies assist the body to reestablish correct balance Taken sublingually Don’t combine with caffeine, alcohol, or traditional Western medicine Only one remedy is administered at a time

Aromatherapy Involves the use of concentrated fluid or the essence of specific herbs that are combined with steams or baths to inhale or bathe the skin NOTE: Concentrated pure oils can cause burns on the skin if used incorrectly Lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood essential oils are useful in aromatherapy for children with chronic pain

Chiropractic Care Deals with the relationship between the spinal column and nervous system Involves nerve energy thought to be responsible for restoring and maintaining health

Herbal Remedies Powerful nutritional agents Most are safe to ingest Herbal remedies consumed during pregnancy can reach the fetus Herbal capsules are about 4 times stronger than herbal teas Herbal extracts are about 4 to 8 times stronger than capsules

Herbs Herbs used for pediatrics: feverfew, fish oil, ginger, ginko biloba, ginseng, blue-green algae, chamomile, ephedra, echinacea, evening primrose oil, fennel seed oil Herbs used during menopause: black cohash, sage, chasteberry, Motherwart Contraindicated during pregnancy & lactation: aloe vera, ginko biloba, garlic, St.john’s wart, flax, ginseng, feverfew, ephedra, chamomile

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