J Nurs Acad Soc.  1992 Dec;22(4):604-619.

An Exploratory Study of Nursing Problems in Adolescents with Nephtotic Syndrome

• Kang CH

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the problems facecl by adolescents who have nephrotic syndrome and who have struggled with their disease over a long time. Information obtained from this study can be utilized as basic data in planning nursing care for these adolescents. The subjects in this study were 13 adolescents who were being treated in the pediatric OPD of one general hospital in Seoul. The treatment period ranged from 2to 15 years. The tool for this study was constructed after asking patients with nephrotic syndrome about their problems using anunstructured questionnaire. problem items which were observed during nursing cared in the pediatric unit. were also included. Ten problem items were constructed on the basis of Moonlcy's problem check list and two additional items related to diet and physical activity were added to the list. The results of this study can be summarized as follows ; adolescents with Nephrotic Syndrome. 1) have a vague knowledge about their illness and have distorted concepts. 2) feel social isolation within their peer group because of their changed appearance, limited physical activity and special diet regimen. 3) have problem in heterosexual relationship because of short height in boys and changes in body proportions in girls. 4) think that their personality has changed due to illness. In mose cases (8) changes were in a negative direction but in two cases they were positive. 5) have problems with scholastic achievement due to physical weakness and school absence. 6) who are in late adolescence are more realistic and plan for their future taking into consideration their prognosis much more so than do patients who are in early adolescence. 7) have problems in their peer relationships. 8) have limitation their enjoyment of leisure time. 9) have some conflict with their siblings. 10) think religion is significant and it has and influence on their life.

MeSH Terms

Adolescent*
Diet
Female
Heterosexuality
Hospitals, General
Humans
Leisure Activities
Motor Activity
Nephrotic Syndrome
Nursing Care
Nursing*
Peer Group
Prognosis
Surveys and Questionnaires
Seoul
Siblings
Social Isolation