NURSING CARE PROVIDED TO A 4-YEAR-OLD CHILD WITH SEVERE ANAEMIA: A CASE STUDY AT OLGA CHAVES MUNICIPAL HOSPITAL IN LUBANGO

Abstract

Severe anaemia is a relevant clinical condition in the paediatric population, particularly when associated with iron deficiency and nutritional, infectious, and socioeconomic factors. This study aims to describe the nursing care provided to a 4-year-old child diagnosed with severe anaemia and admitted to the Paediatric Service of the Olga Chaves Municipal Hospital in Lubango. A case study was conducted using a qualitative approach and a descriptive design. Data collection techniques included direct observation, a semi-structured interview with the child's caregiver, physical examination, review of the clinical record, and literature review. The patient presented marked cutaneous-mucosal pallor, generalised weakness, easy fatigability, decreased appetite, and occasional dizziness. Laboratory tests revealed haemoglobin levels below 5.8 g/dL, reduced haematocrit and erythrocyte levels, decreased MCV and MCH, as well as reduced serum iron and ferritin levels. Six nursing diagnoses were identified: ineffective tissue perfusion, activity intolerance, fatigue, imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements, risk for falls, and hyperthermia. The interventions included monitoring vital signs, clinical surveillance, rest, hydration, therapeutic management, transfusion support, nutritional encouragement, and maternal education. A favourable clinical progression was observed, characterised by reduced pallor and fatigue, improved activity and food intake, and stabilisation of vital signs. It is concluded that systematic nursing care contributed to the child's clinical recovery and to the preparation of the family for the continuity of care.