Case Study Reflection-Incorporating Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) into L.Ns Treatment

Incorporating complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) into L.N’s treatment strategy could be considered alongside conventional medical care. Given her symptoms, exploring modalities such as guided breathing exercises, yoga, or relaxation techniques may help (Kupershmidt & Barnable, 2019). It will alleviate her reported chest tightness and also improve overall respiratory well-being. Additionally, acupuncture has been shown to have potential benefits for respiratory conditions (Fernandez-Jane et al., 2020). This should be explored with a qualified practitioner. Herbal remedies such as licorice root or ginger may be considered under the guidance of a healthcare professional well-versed in CAM approaches. It’s crucial, however, that any CAM interventions be discussed freely with L.N.’s healthcare provider. This ensures the interventions do not interfere with conventional treatments or worsen her symptoms.

Furthermore, the importance of maintaining a smoke-free environment should be stressed. Exposures such as secondhand smoke and cockroach allergens should be addressed. A collaborative approach involving both conventional medicine and carefully selected CAM modalities can be tailored to L.N.’s specific needs. This approach will provide a holistic and patient-centered approach to her respiratory health.

These resources would not change the education provided to the client. However, the patient would receive additional educational materials aligned with the CAM. Notably, integrating CAM resources into L.N.’s education would widen her understanding of holistic approaches to respiratory health. The inclusion of guided breathing exercises, yoga, and relaxation techniques would empower her to actively manage symptoms like chest tightness. Exploring acupuncture may also introduce her to alternative therapies targeting respiratory concerns. Further, education on herbal remedies, such as licorice root and ginger, would provide her with additional tools for symptom relief. Stressing the importance of a smoke-free environment aligns with CAM principles of addressing root causes (Johnson et al., 2019). This detailed approach enhances L.N.’s education by offering a diverse set of strategies that complement conventional treatments. This enables a well-rounded understanding and self-management of her respiratory issues.

References

Fernández-Jané, C., Vilaró, J., Fei, Y., Wang, C., Liu, J., Huang, N., … & Sitjà-Rabert, M. (2020). Acupuncture techniques for COPD: a systematic review. BMC complementary medicine and therapies, 20(1), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-020-02899-3

Johnson, A., Roberts, L., & Elkins, G. (2019). Complementary and alternative medicine for menopause. Journal of evidence-based integrative medicine, 24, 2515690X19829380. https://doi.org/10.1177/2515690X19829380

Kupershmidt, S., & Barnable, T. (2019). Definition of a yoga breathing (pranayama) protocol that improves lung function. Holistic nursing practice, 33(4), 197-203. https://doi.org/10.1097/