NURSING INTERVENTIONS FOR DENGUE FEVER :

Nursing Interventions for Dengue Fever - Hyperthermia

Nursing Diagnosis for Dengue Fever : Hyperthermia

Dengue fever, also known as breakbone fever, is an infectious tropical disease caused by the dengue virus. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash that is similar to measles. In a small proportion of cases the disease develops into the life-threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever, resulting in bleeding, low levels of blood platelets and blood plasma leakage, or into dengue shock syndrome, where dangerously low blood pressure occurs.

Dengue is transmitted by several species of mosquito within the genus Aedes, principally A. aegypti. The virus has four different types; infection with one type usually gives lifelong immunity to that type, but only short-term immunity to the others. Subsequent infection with a different type increases the risk of severe complications. As there is no vaccine, prevention is sought by reducing the habitat and the number of mosquitoes and limiting exposure to bites.

Treatment of acute dengue is supportive, using either oral or intravenous rehydration for mild or moderate disease, and intravenous fluids and blood transfusion for more severe cases. The incidence of dengue fever has increased dramatically since the 1960s, with around 50–100 million people infected yearly. Early descriptions of the condition date from 1779, and its viral cause and the transmission were elucidated in the early 20th century. Dengue has become a global problem since the Second World War and is endemic in more than 110 countries. Apart from eliminating the mosquitoes, work is ongoing on a vaccine, as well as medication targeted directly at the virus.

Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia is an elevated body temperature due to failed thermoregulation. Hyperthermia occurs when the body produces or absorbs more heat than it can dissipate. When the elevated body temperatures are sufficiently high, hyperthermia is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment to prevent disability or death.

The most common causes are heat stroke and adverse reactions to drugs. Heat stroke is an acute condition of hyperthermia that is caused by prolonged exposure to excessive heat or heat and humidity. The heat-regulating mechanisms of the body eventually become overwhelmed and unable to effectively deal with the heat, causing the body temperature to climb uncontrollably. Hyperthermia is a relatively rare side effect of many drugs, particularly those that affect the central nervous system. Malignant hyperthermia is a rare complication of some types of general anesthesia.

Hyperthermia can be created artificially by drugs or medical devices. Hyperthermia therapy may be used to treat some kinds of cancer and other conditions, most commonly in conjunction with radiotherapy.

Hyperthermia differs from fever in the mechanism that causes the elevated body temperatures: a fever is caused by a change in the body's temperature set-point.

The opposite of hyperthermia is hypothermia, which occurs when an organism's temperature drops below that required for normal metabolism. Hypothermia is caused by prolonged exposure to low temperatures and is also a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.

Nursing Interventions for Dengue Fever :

Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia Settings
Monitor the temperature as neededMonitor blood pressure, pulse and respirationMonitor the temperature and skin colorMonitor and report signs and symptoms of hyperthermiaEncourage intake of fluids and adequate nutritionTeach clients how to prevent high heatGive antipyretic drugsGive drugs to prevent or control the shivering
Hyperthermia Treatment
Monitor the temperature as neededmonitor IWLMonitor the temperature and skin colorMonitor blood pressure, pulse and respirationMonitor the degree of impairment of consciousnessMonitor the ability of the activityMonitor leukocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobinMonitor intake and outputMonitor cardiac arrhythmiasEncourage increased fluid intakeGive intravenous fluidsIncrease air circulation with a fanPush or do oral hygieneGive antipyretic drugs to prevent the client shivering / seizuresGive antibiotic drugs to treat the cause of feverGive oxygenCold compress on the groin, forehead and axilla.Encourage clients not to wear a blanketEncourage clients to wear clothes made ​​from cold, thin and absorbs perspiration
Environmental Management
Give the room as indicatedGive your bed and cloth / linen, clean and comfortableLimit visitors
Infection Control
Encourage clients to wash their hands before eatingUse soap to wash handsWash hands before and after doing client care activitiesReplace the infusion and clean place in accordance with SOPGive your skin care in the area of edemaEncourage clients to get enough restPerform infusion with aseptic techniqueEncourage clients to take antibiotics according to doctors advice.