Planning of Nursing Care
- Minimise trauma to the child and provide safe environment.
- Control bleeding.
- Administer drugs.
Implementation of Nursing Care
Minimise Trauma to the Child
Child is protected from injury in the hospital. The craddle and chairs need to be padded, avoid use of hard tooth brushes and use light mouth washes or glycerine swabs for cleaning mouth. Avoid using tight garments and give smooth edged or soft toys to the child. Intramuscular nledications should not be used to prkvent frequent venipunctures. Take care to avoid elective surgery, sports and infection. Provide good nutritious diet.
Control Bleeding
Child is given blood transfusion with packed red blood cells to control severe bleeding. Transhsion of fresh blood or platelet concentrates is avoided as transfused platelets are short lived and may lead to devlopment of antibodies to donor platelets.
Administration of Drugs
In order to relieve joint pain acetaminophen is used rather than salicylates. Corticosteroids such as prednislone may be used if haemorrhagic manifestations are severe or if intracranial haemorrhage is suspected. Corticosteroid therapy helps to shorten the duration and reduces the severity of acute phase. Splenectomy is indicated in case of chronic and recurrent case, and if the child fails to respond to all other supportive measures.