Which one(s) of the following possibilities describe suitable roles for the nurse in the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among elders?

Question

a. Instruct them to inform the health care provider.
b. Gather resources about using visual imagery.
c. Assist them in using aromatherapy for pleasure.
d. Use herbal remedies to reduce prescription costs.
e. Arrange massages for those with muscle spasms.
f. Organize a display about various forms of CAM.

Answer 1

A, B, C, F

a. Correct. Informing the health care provider helps the elder to safely incorporate CAM into an existing therapeutic regimen. The nurse instructs elders to inform the health care pro-vider before using CAM, especially if the method is an herbal remedy, supplement, or over-the-counter medication, because many of these preparations interfere with other me-dication. Such drug interactions can lead to serious adverse effects.
b. Correct. The nurse enlightens elders by providing information about visual imagery, often used as a supplementary and alternative safe method for pain control.
c. Correct. The nurse can provide information and guidance on safely using pleasant aromas in the form of essential oils. For instance, the nurse discourages use of essential oils in and around the tub or shower to prevent accidents and injury.
d. Incorrect. Elders might want to use CAM to reduce prescription costs; however, the nurse avoids giving such advice because this can be interpreted as practicing medicine. In addi-tion, because herbal remedies and many supplements come from an unregulated industry, the purity and safety of these products is suspect.
e. Incorrect. The nurse avoids arranging massages for elders without approval of the health care provider.
f. Correct. The nurse conveys acceptance by providing a display about various forms of CAM. In addition, this acceptance can help elders approach their health care providers about using CAM in their therapeutic regimen.