Narrative nursing for prolonged myelosuppression after autologous stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma: A...

Myelosuppression after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) exposes patients with multiple myeloma to substantial infection and bleeding risks and may be accompanied by marked psychological distress during protective isolation. Although supportive care is central to posttransplant recovery, reports describing how narrative nursing can be integrated into routine transplantation care remain limited.

A 46-year-old married man with multiple myeloma was admitted 7 months after ASCT because of fever for half a day and erosive oral-labial mucosal lesions. He presented with febrile neutropenia, oral mucositis, severe pancytopenia, anxiety, hopelessness, and concern about his family role as the main financial provider.

The patient was diagnosed with multiple myeloma after ASCT complicated by prolonged myelosuppression, febrile neutropenia, oral mucositis, and severe pancytopenia. Delayed hematopoietic reconstitution and infection, including possible fungal infection, were considered during the clinical course.

The patient received protective isolation in a laminar airflow room, empiric broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, hemostatic prophylaxis, blood component support, meticulous oral and skin-mucosal care, nutrition and hydration support, and dynamic monitoring. A supplemental infusion of autologous hematopoietic stem cells was administered on hospital day 2. Individualized narrative nursing was provided through repeated one-to-one conversations, emotional validation, misconception correction, achievable daily goal setting, family communication, and discharge planning.

During the 16-day hospitalization, fever and mucositis resolved, leukocyte and neutrophil counts gradually recovered, inflammatory markers declined, and no new infection or major bleeding occurred. The patient reported reduced fear, improved sleep, and greater willingness to participate in care and follow-up.

This case suggests that structured narrative nursing can be feasibly embedded in routine ASCT supportive care during prolonged myelosuppression and may support emotional adjustment, treatment engagement, and family-centered coping.