Imagery, the Antiemetic

[MedicalPartisan]

It's not the mere question itself that puzzles me, but the rationale. Usually, when I don't know the answer to a question, I understand the rationale and can comprehend the teaching. But this just isn't rational to me. In what situation would you ask a patient to think of the beach to keep their vomiting under control? Can someone explain this?

The hospitalized client expresses satisfaction after using a recommended complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy, saying that pain was diminished and anxiety reduced. Which CAM did the client most likely use?

A. Herbs B. Homeopathy C. Imagery D. Tai chi

C. Imagery is often used for reducing pain, nausea and vomiting, and anxiety.

[scottaprn]

There was a study a few years ago that showed that guided imagery reduced N&V in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Cant think of the authors but I am sure you can google it

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Complementary and alternative medicine treatments (CAM) for cancer

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

When you're faced with a difficult proposition, it is sometimes helpful to think of the opposite. In this case, I think it's easy to recall a situation in which you became queasy just thinking about something unpleasant and noxious ... so why wouldn't it work in the reverse?

[MedicalPartisan]

I guess it makes sense in theory but I can't ever imagine using this for one of my patients who is actively vomiting. It doesn't seem too practical and I feel they'd get aggravated and upset as they are probably anticipating something more reassuring such as medication.

[elkpark]

These sorts of interventions only help with people who agree to them and are motivated to use them. You wouldn't just walk into the room of someone who's vomiting and say, "Instead of medication, try imagery!" FWIW, I haven't seen many antiemetic medications over the years that really seemed to do much for anyone.