After choosing a nursing diagnosis that is related to herbal therapy, the nurse
plans for the proper intervention. The goals are:1.The patient will verbalize an understanding of the risks of herbal therapy.
2.The patient will verbalize an understanding of the interaction between
herbal therapy and conventional therapy.The nurse intervenes by:- Monitoring the patient’s response to conventional and herbal therapy look-
ing for adverse side effects. - Consulting with dietitians and other healthcare specialists to assure that the
patient’s nutrition remains balanced. - Telling the patient to continue with the same brand of herbs and to notify
the healthcare provider if there is a change in brand. - Teaching the patient to
° Understand the rationale for herbal therapy,
° Notifying healthcare providers if he or she plans to substitute herbals for
conventional therapies,
° Read all labels,
° Review the optimal storage for the herbal remedy,
° Know what foods increase or decrease the action of the herbs,
° Review the potential side effects, symptoms that require prompt reporting
to healthcare provider, and the correct preparation for use of herbals. - Evaluating the patient for the effectiveness of herbal remedies for alleviat-
ing symptoms and the patient’s knowledge regarding the use of herbals.
The Do’s and Don’ts about Herbs
- Don’t take if pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
- Don’t take if breast feeding.
- Don’t give to babies or young children.
- Don’t take large quantities.
- Buy herbs with the plant and quantities listed on the package.
- Don’t stop taking prescribed medication before contacting the healthcare
provider.
(^130) CHAPTER 8 Herbal Therapy