Impact of the diagnosis of AIDS on hospital care of an infant. NLM AIDSLINE Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1987. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Click here to return to AIDSLINE main menu
DonateNow
Print this Article


Impact of the diagnosis of AIDS on hospital care of an infant.

Clin Pediatr (Phila). 1987 Jan;26(1):30-4. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/87079241
Krener PG

Abstract: Detailed analysis of caretaker response to the first infant newly diagnosed with AIDS at a university hospital was done by review of nursing notes for three periods: before diagnosis of AIDS, after diagnosis, and after psychiatric consultation. Five consultation questions were posed, and the findings on investigation of these questions are discussed. It was found that the percentage of time that PRN medication was given dropped after diagnosis of AIDS but rose above the initial level after the consultation. The number of times per shift the nurse touched the baby (TLCs) was not found to be associated with use of PRN medication; rather it was explained by which nurse was caring for the child. This study focuses on variations in nursing care of one infant to illustrate how variation in caretaker response can amplify the range of perturbations of the infant's behavioral response. It is speculated that caretakers of patients with AIDS may normally have feelings considered unacceptable in medical settings, including fear, blaming the patient, or a wish to avoid the patient. Such feelings are more difficult to tolerate in the care of children or infants and are superimposed upon the familiar stains associated with the care of chronically ill or dying pediatric patients.
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/DIAGNOSIS/*NURSING/PSYCHOLOGY/ TRANSMISSION Case Report Child Development Depression/ETIOLOGY Drugs/ADMINISTRATION & DOSAGE Emotions Female Human Infant *Infant Care Mothers/PSYCHOLOGY Nurse-Patient Relations Nursing Care/*STANDARDS Nursing Staff, Hospital/*PSYCHOLOGY Professional-Family Relations Psychiatry Questionnaires Referral and Consultation JOURNAL ARTICLE

KWDacquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome/diagnosis/KWDnursing/psychology/transmissioncasereportchilddevelopmentdepression/etiologydrugs/administration&dosageemotionsfemalehumaninfantKWDinfantcaremothers/psychologynurse-patientrelationsnursingcare/KWDstandardsnursingstaff,hospital/KWDpsychologyprofessional-familyrelationspsychiatryquestionnairesreferralandconsultationjournalarticle
870430
M8740259

Copyright © 1987 - National Library of Medicine. Reproduced under license with the National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1987. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1987. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .