**Nursing Care Plan for Malaria**
### **Assessment:**
- **Subjective Data:**
- Patient complains of high fever, chills, and sweating.
- Reports fatigue, headache, and nausea.
- History of travel to a malaria-endemic area.
- **Objective Data:**
- Elevated body temperature (above 38°C).
- Pallor and jaundice.
- Positive malaria test result (blood smear or rapid diagnostic test).
- Increased heart rate (tachycardia).
- Anemia (low hemoglobin levels).
- Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen).
- Abnormal liver function tests (elevated liver enzymes).
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### **Nursing Diagnosis:**
1. **Risk for Infection** related to malaria parasite invasion.
2. **Impaired Comfort** related to fever, chills, and body aches.
3. **Ineffective Thermoregulation** related to fever.
4. **Fatigue** related to decreased red blood cell count and anemia.
5. **Deficient Knowledge** related to malaria and its prevention.
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### **Planning:**
- **Goal 1:** The patient will remain free from further infections during the hospitalization period.
- **Goal 2:** The patient will experience relief from fever, chills, and other symptoms by the end of the shift.
- **Goal 3:** The patient’s temperature will stabilize within normal limits (36°C-37°C) within 48 hours.
- **Goal 4:** The patient will demonstrate understanding of malaria transmission and prevention measures by discharge.
- **Goal 5:** The patient will report a decrease in fatigue level and improved energy within 48 hours.
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### **Interventions:**
1. **Administer prescribed antimalarial medications** (e.g., Artemisinin-based combination therapy) as ordered by the physician. Monitor for side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- *Rationale:* Antimalarial drugs help eliminate the malaria parasites from the bloodstream and reduce symptoms.
2. **Monitor vital signs regularly, especially temperature**, to assess for fever or changes in body temperature.
- *Rationale:* Fever is a key symptom of malaria, and temperature monitoring will guide interventions.
3. **Administer antipyretics (e.g., acetaminophen)** to reduce fever and alleviate discomfort from chills.
- *Rationale:* Antipyretics help reduce fever and promote comfort in the patient.
4. **Provide a cool environment**, ensuring proper hydration and encouraging the patient to drink fluids regularly.
- *Rationale:* A cool environment can help manage fever, and adequate hydration supports recovery and reduces the risk of dehydration.
5. **Assess for signs of dehydration** (e.g., dry mouth, dark urine) and provide IV fluids if necessary.
- *Rationale:* Dehydration is a risk with malaria, especially with fever and sweating.
6. **Assess and manage pain** related to body aches and fever through comfort measures like warm blankets or mild analgesics.
- *Rationale:* Comfort measures and pain management will help reduce the patient’s discomfort.
7. **Provide education on malaria transmission** (mosquito bites) and prevention measures (use of insect repellents, bed nets, and anti-malarial prophylaxis).
- *Rationale:* Patient education is vital in preventing future infections and promoting self-care.
8. **Encourage rest** and assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) as needed to conserve energy.
- *Rationale:* Rest helps reduce fatigue and supports recovery.
9. **Monitor laboratory results**, including hemoglobin, hematocrit, and liver function tests.
- *Rationale:* Monitoring lab results is essential to assess for complications such as anemia and liver involvement.
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### **Evaluation:**
- The patient’s fever is reduced to a normal range within 48 hours, and comfort is improved.
- The patient demonstrates improved understanding of malaria prevention strategies.
- The patient reports increased energy and a reduction in fatigue.
- No signs of further infection or complications such as dehydration or liver dysfunction are observed.
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This care plan aims to address the symptoms, complications, and education needed for the patient with malaria.
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