Nursing problems of a patient with the toxic epidermal necrolysis – case report

The aim of this study is to present the main problems existing in patients with toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), as well as showing the methods of effective resolution and to prevent their recurrence.

The study included a 40 year old patient, who was hospitalized in the clinic of dermatology in 2013. The woman was admitted to the hospital for the first time because of the urgency of drug reactions, which occurred after taking anticonvulsant – lamotrigine. Previously treated, without instances of drug-induced allergic reactions.

There were used methods of using the technique of the individual case history, analysis of medical records and follow-up care.

The incidence of TEN is estimated to be 0.4-1.2 cases per million people per year. At the forefront in the area of nursing care extends to the isolation of the patient due to the risk of sepsis through broken skin and mucous membranes. The basic tasks in nursing care arise from the need to implement functions care, curative and preventive. The main issues nursing patient care resulting from basic symptoms and the symptoms reported by the patient and the potential problems associated with the risk of systemic infection. The task of nurses is to provide relevant information on the patient self-care and self care during convalescence.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis damages many organs, skin and mucous membranes, which can cause life-threatening condition. Drugs are the most common causative agent of TEN, rarely viral infections. It is necessary to monitor the pain and its proper treatment.