A patient tells the nurse, "I prefer to try to treat my physical problems with CAM remedies. After all, they are natural substances, and natural products are safe.". Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
a. "Natural substances do tend to be safer than conventional medical remedies.".
b. "The word natural can be a marketing term used to imply that a product is healthy, but it's not always true.".
c. "Most natural substances have more side effects than conventional remedies.".
d. "Natural remedies give you the idea that you are controlling your treatment.".
B
CAM remedies are usually natural substances, but it is a fallacy that products purchased at a health food store are safer to use than conventional medicines. Some natural products contain powerful ingredients that can cause illness and damage to the body if taken inappropriately, and for some persons, can be dangerous even when used as directed. This is the most important message for the nurse to convey to the patient. So-called natural substances are not necessarily safer, and a number have significant side effects. Natural substances may give one the belief that he is controlling his own treatment, but that is not the message that most needs to be communicated here.
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