ATI section 14: Complementary and Alternative Therapies Flashcards
Saw palmetto
Proposed Use:
-Treats and prevents benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
Side/Adverse Effects:
- Prolonged bleeding time
- Altered platelet function
Herb/Medication Interactions:
-Additive effect with anticoagulants
Nursing Considerations:
- Allow 4-6 weeks to see effects
- Discontinue use prior to surgery
Valerian Root
Proposed use:
- Insomnia
- Migraines
- Menstrual cramps
Side/Adverse Effects:
- Drowsiness
- Anxiety
- Hepatotoxicity (long-term use)
Herb/Medication Interactions:
-Additive effect with barbiturates and bento
Nursing Considerations:
- Advise client against driving or operating machinery
- Advise client against long term use
- Discontinue at least 1 week prior to surgery
St. John’s wort
Propose Use:
- Depression
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Anxiety
Side/Adverse Effects:
- Headache
- Sleep disturbances
- Hepatotoxicity (long-term use)
- Constipation
Herb/Medication Interactions:
-May reduce the effects of many medications
Nursing Considerations:
- Should not be taken with other medications
- Should not be used to treat severe depression
- Should only be used with medical guidance
Echinacea
Proposed Uses:
- Prevents and treats common cold
- Stimulates the immune system
- promotes wound healing
Side/Adverse Effects:
- Headache
- Epigastric pain
- Constipation
Herb/Medication Interactions:
- May reduce the effects of immunosuppressants
- May increase serum levels of alprazolam (Xanax), CCBs, and protease inhibitors
Nursing Considerations:
-Long-term use may cause immunosuppression
Ginkgo
Proposed Uses;
-Improves cerebral circulation to treat dementia and memory loss
Side/Adverse Effects:
- Dizziness
- Palpitations
Herb/Medication Interactions:
- May increase the effects of MAOIs, anticoagulants, and anti platelet aggregates
- May reduce the effectiveness of insulin
Nursing Considerations:
- Discontinue 2 weeks prior to surgery
- May cause seizures with overdose
- Keep out of reach of children
Ginseng
Proposed Uses:
- improves strength and stamina
- Prevents and treats cancer and DM
Side/Adverse Effects:
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
Herb/Medication Interactions:
- May decrease effectiveness of anticoagulants and anti platelet aggregates
- May increase effectiveness of anti diabetic agents and insulin
Nursing Considerations:
-Contraindicated for women who are pregnant and/or lactating
Glucosamine
Proposed Uses:
- Relieves ostoarthritis
- Promotes joint health
Side/Adverse Effects:
- itching
- edema
- headache
Herb/Medication Interactions:
-May increase resistance to anti diabetic agents and insulin
Nursing Considerations:
- Use glucosamine with caution in clients who have a shellfish allergy
- Monitor glucose frequently in clients who have DM
- Allow extended time to seethe effects of glucosamine
- Use it often in combination with chondroitin
Chondrointin sulfate
Proposed Use:
-Relieves osteoarthritis
Side/Adverse Effects:
- Headache
- Hives
- Photosensitivity
- Hypertension
- Constipation
Herb/Medication Interactions
-May increase the effects anticoagulants
Nursing Considerations:
- Do not administer chondroitin sulfate to women who are pregnant or breast feeding
- Often used in combination with glucosamine
- Allow extended time to see effects
Omega-3 fatty acids
Proposed Uses:
- Improves hypertriglyceridemia
- Helps maintain cardiac health
Side/Adverse Effects:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Hypotension
Herb/Medication Interactions:
-May increase risk of vitamin A or D overdose
Nursing Considerations:
- Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish oils, nuts, and vegetable oils
- Some fish contain methyl mercury and can be harmful in large amounts, especially to women who are pregnant or nursing
Melatonin
Proposed Uses:
-Treats insomnia and jet lag
Side/Adverse Effects:
- Morning grogginess
- Lower body temp
- Vivid dreams
Herb/Medication Interactions:
- Beta Blockers
- Warfarin
- Steroids
Nursing Considerations:
-Pregnant or nursing women should not take melatonin
Nursing assessments for Herbal Medications
- Ask clients especially about herbal supplements
- Discourage use in pregnant and nursing mothers, infants, young children, and older adults who have cardiovascular or liver disease
