Holistic nursing care for children with Guillain-Barré syndrome: a five-year retrospective analysis in five Croatian hospitals

Abstract Aim. The study aimed to analyze nursing diagnoses defined during the care of children with Guillain-Barré syndrome and to present the specifics of holistic pediatric care. Material and methods. A retrospective analysis of nursing documentation was conducted on 14 children with Guillain-Barré syndrome hospitalized between 2015 and 2019 in five Croatian hospitals. Results. The study included 10 (71.4%) boys and 4 (28.6%) girls (8 months – 17 years of age). The average duration of hospitalization was 12.2 days. At plateau, 5 (35.7%) children had minor changes in consciousness and 6 (42.9%) required assistance and/or some supervision in performing self-care activities. Oxygen was administered to one child, and a central venous catheter (CVC) was placed in 3 (21.4 %) children. Thirteen (92.9%) children reported pain. The risk for infection was recorded in 11 (78.6 %) children. Lumbar puncture was performed in all children, while immunotherapy was administered to 13 (92.9%) of them. The care of a CVC and breathing exercises were performed in 3 (21.4%) children. Two (14.3%) children required intensive care. Conclusions. The unpredictable development and outcome of the Guillain-Barré syndrome require complex holistic pediatric care that represents a significant professional and personal challenge for the nurses.