Pharmacology Demystified

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CHAPTER 8: HERBAL THERAPY
Herbal therapy is used to treat the common cold, infections, diseases of the
GI tract, and about anything else that ails you. Herbs are naturally grown and
don’t have the quality standards found in prescription and over-the-counter
medications. You’ll learn about the therapeutic effect of herbal therapies in this
chapter and the adverse reactions patients can experience when herbal therapy is
combined with conventional therapy.
CHAPTER 9: VITAMINS AND MINERALS
Vitamins and minerals build a strong, healthy body, so you’ve been told when
you were growing up. It is true. A balanced diet provides the vitamins and minerals
you need to stay healthy. However, many patients don’t have a balanced
diet and therefore experience vitamin and mineral deficiencies. In this chapter,
you’ll learn about vitamins and minerals and how to provide vitamin therapy and
mineral therapy for your patients.
CHAPTER 10: FLUID AND ELECTROLYTE THERAPY
Some diseases and treatment of disease can cause an imbalance in the body’s
fluids and electrolytes needed for muscle contraction and other functions.
Administering electrolyte therapy to the patient restores balance. You’ll learn
how this is done.
CHAPTER 11: NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT THERAPIES
Nutrients are given to patients who are at risk for malnutrition caused by disease
and by treatment given to cure the disease. Nutrients are also given to strengthen
the patient following a trauma such as surgery. In this chapter, you’ll learn about
nutritional support therapies, how to prepare them, how to administer them, and
how to avoid any complications that might arise.
CHAPTER 12: INFLAMMATION
INTRODUCTION
Fortunately, most times the pain goes away and the inflammation subsides
relatively quickly and doesn’t interfere with daily activities. In this chapter,