Selected complementary methods and nursing care of the hypertensive client

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Cardiovascular Health
• Herbal Medicine

Background:

• The National Institutes of Health and World Health Organization identify mild or borderline hypertension as a critical healthcare concern.
• A growing consumer movement favors complementary therapies alongside conventional treatments for blood pressure management.
• Herbal therapies are widely used, with millions of Americans utilizing them annually, and complementary care visits are increasing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify four commonly selected herbs for hypertension treatment by consumers.
• To outline nursing care considerations for patients using these herbal therapies.
• To review research on acupuncture's effectiveness for hypertension and its nursing implications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of herbal remedies for hypertension.
• Analysis of consumer trends in complementary medicine use.
• Review of scientific research on acupuncture for hypertension.

Main Results:

• Identification of four prevalent herbs used for hypertension.
• Discussion of nursing considerations for herbal therapy use.
• Overview of research findings on acupuncture's efficacy and patient care.

Conclusions:

• Nurses require knowledge of popular herbal remedies and acupuncture for effective patient care in hypertension management.
• Integrating complementary therapies into nursing practice is essential given their increasing use.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness and safety of these complementary approaches.