1. Identify at least one challenge associated with a nurse’s role in providing alternative therapies for
patient care
Alternative therapies are non-conventional interventions that aim to improve the health and well-being
of patients. Some examples of alternative therapies are acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage,
meditation, yoga, and herbal medicine. Nurses play a vital role in providing alternative therapies for
patient care, as they are often the first point of contact and the most trusted source of information for
patients. However, nurses also face some challenges associated with this role, such as:
- Lack of evidence-based research on the effectiveness and safety of alternative therapies. Nurses need
to be aware of the current state of knowledge and the potential risks and benefits of alternative therapies,
as well as the ethical and legal implications of recommending or administering them to patients. Nurses
also need to be able to critically appraise the quality and validity of the available research and
communicate it to patients in an understandable and respectful way.
- Lack of education and training on alternative therapies. Nurses may not have sufficient knowledge or
skills to provide alternative therapies or to integrate them with conventional treatments. Nurses may also
encounter difficulties in finding reliable and credible sources of information or in accessing appropriate
training opportunities on alternative therapies. Nurses need to seek continuous professional development
and update their competencies on alternative therapies, as well as collaborate with other health
professionals who have expertise in this area.
- Lack of support and recognition from the health care system and the nursing profession. Nurses may
face barriers or resistance from their employers, colleagues, or regulatory bodies when they want to
provide alternative therapies or advocate for their inclusion in patient care. Nurses may also experience
a lack of recognition or appreciation for their role in providing alternative therapies, or a lack of
resources or incentives to do so. Nurses need to promote a culture of openness and respect for
alternative therapies within the health care system and the nursing profession, as well as advocate for
their integration into policies, standards, and guidelines
2. Explain how the nurse might integrate the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
approaches in Palliative Care and discuss the ethical issues nurses may face
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches are non-conventional methods of health
care that may include practices such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, meditation, yoga, and
others. CAM approaches may be integrated in palliative care to provide holistic and individualized care
for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Some of the benefits of CAM in palliative care
may include:
- Enhancing the quality of life and well-being of patients and caregivers by reducing physical,
psychological, social, and spiritual suffering.
- Offering a range of options for symptom management, such as pain, nausea, fatigue, anxiety,
depression, insomnia, and breathlessness.
- Supporting the patient's autonomy and dignity by respecting their values, preferences, beliefs, and
Category | NURS EXAM |
Comments | 0 |
Rating | |
Sales | 0 |