Acupuncture and acupressure for the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
OBJECTIVE
To review existing research, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) consensus statement, and federal regulations regarding the use of acupuncture and acupressure in the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in order to give nurse practitioners (NPs) the information they need to provide the best care for patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer.


METHODS
Selected scientific literature and Internet sources.


CONCLUSIONS
Research supports the effectiveness of acupuncture and acupressure for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Used in conjunction with current antiemetic drugs, acupuncture and acupressure have been shown to be safe and effective for relief of the nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Even with the best antiemetic pharmacological agents, 60% of cancer patients continue to experience nausea and vomiting when undergoing chemotherapy treatments. Because the NIH supports the use of acupuncture for nausea and vomiting, the NP is obligated to be knowledgeable about the use of these and other effective complementary treatments in order to provide the best care.
Collins
Kimberly B
KB
University of Connecticut, USA.
Thomas
Debera J
DJ
D019050:Acupressure; D026881:Acupuncture; D000932:Antiemetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*
D000932:Antiemetics; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents