[An experience nursing a patient with dengue hemorrhagic fever]

The case report presented a patient with dengue hemorrhagic fever after being bitten by an insect in a suburban area. The author observed and interviewed the patient and utilized Gorden's functional health scale to collect information, from Nov., 08 to Nov., 15 2002. Thrombocytopenia, febrile, and pain accompanied with dengue hemorrhagic fever were recorded during nursing evaluation. Lack of associated medical information contributed to the patient's anxiety status. The major nursing problems were changing of protection/ thrombocytopenia, hyperthermia, pain, and inadequacy of knowledge. The gum bleeding, fevers, and generalized bone pain were relieved by sincere listening and nursing intervention. In addition, medical information was delivered by way of a health information booklet to improve the understanding of the patient and ease the latter's anxiety status. Amid an increase in cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever in Taiwan, this case report might provide some valuable information to the nursing staff in order to enhance their ability to provide comprehensive care.