NCP - 6 Nursing Diagnosis for Malaria

Malaria is an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are spread to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. (www.who.int)

Malaria can occur if a mosquito infected with the Plasmodium parasite bites you. There are four kinds of malaria parasites that can infect humans: Plasmodium vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. falciparum.

P. falciparum causes a more severe form of the disease and those who contract this form of malaria have a higher risk of death. An infected mother can also pass the disease to her baby at birth. This is known as congenital malaria.

Malaria is transmitted by blood, so it can also be transmitted through:

•     an organ transplant
•     a transfusion
•     use of shared needles or syringes

(www.healthline.com)

Signs and symptoms of malaria may include:

•     Fever
•     Chills
•     General feeling of discomfort
•     Headache
•     Nausea and vomiting
•     Diarrhea
•     Abdominal pain
•     Muscle or joint pain
•     Fatigue
•     Rapid breathing
•     Rapid heart rate
•     Cough

(www.mayoclinic.org)


6 Nursing Diagnosis for Malaria

1. Hyperthermia related to infection.
2. Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements related to anorexia, vomiting, changes in intestinal absorption.
3. Risk for Fluid Volume Deficit related to nausea/vomiting.
4. Activity intolerance related to fatigue or secondary anxiety about infection.
5. Acute pain is related to the disease process.
6. Anxiety related to changes in health situation.