Hemophilia, an X-linked disorder, is a congenital inherited bleeding disorder of the clotting mechanism cause by an abnormal gene that produces a defective clotting factor protein with little or no clotting ability. The two most common forms of this disorder are Classic hemophilia (type A) which is caused by the lack of factor VIII and Christmas disease (type B) is caused by the deficiency in factor IX. Since both of these disorders are X-linked, the female is the carrier and the disorder is manifested only in males.
Hemophilia is classified into the following three groups, based on the severity of factor deficiency, mild (5-50%), moderate (1-5%) and severe (1%). Hemophiliacs are at risk for prolonged bleeding or hemorrhage as a result of minor trauma. Individuals with severe hemophilia, or less than 1% clotting factor, are also at risk to suffer from spontaneous bleeding without trauma or more severe prolonged bleeding after trauma. Bleeding can
occur at any part of the body. Hemarthrosis, or bleeding into the joint spaces, is the most common complication of severe hemophilia. The knee joint is the most frequent joint involved.
Nursing Care Plans
The nursing care plan goals for a client with hemophilia may include absence of complications and pain, prevention of injury and bleeding, improved physical mobility, and understanding of the disease condition and its management.
Here are five (5) nursing care plans (NCP) and nursing diagnosis for patients with hemophilia:
Impaired Physical Mobility
Nursing Diagnosis
May be related to
- Pain and discomfort with the onset of bleeding episodes
- Hemarthrosis.
Possibly evidenced by
- Pain in affected joint
- Decreased ability to move the joint
- Immobilized joints (first 24 to 48 hours after a bleeding episode)
- Potential contractures in affected joints
Desired Outcomes
- Child will maintain optimal physical mobility as evidenced by normal range of motion (ROM) and activities of daily living within ability.
Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
---|---|
Assess for limited ROM, contractures, and bony changes in the joints when bleeding has stopped. | Recurrent bleeding of the joints can lead to bone destruction, permanent deformities, and crippling. This data gives the baseline for evaluating further constraints from bleeding. |
Provide gentle, passive ROM exercise when the child’s condition is stable. | Clients who are experiencing active bleeding have restricted mobility or splinting. However, later ROM exercise can help maintain optimal muscle and joint movement. |
Assist with the progression to active exercise as tolerated. | Non-weight bearing exercise facilitates optimal ROM without stimulating rebleeding. Extra weight should be avoided until swelling has subsided. |
Educate on preventive measures, such as the application of protective gear and the administration of factor products. | Avoiding injury and hemarthrosis is essential for maintaining joint and limb mobility and use. |
Provide assistive devices when needed. | The chronic joint deformity is a common complaint. |
Refer for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and orthopedic consultations, as required. | Electrical stimulation of the muscles around the joints prevents muscle atrophy. Active physiotherapy helps in regaining joint movement and preventing fibrous build up. |
Recommended Resources
Recommended nursing diagnosis and nursing care plan books and resources.
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- Nursing Care Plans: Nursing Diagnosis and Intervention (10th Edition)
An awesome book to help you create and customize effective nursing care plans. We highly recommend this book for its completeness and ease of use. - Nurse’s Pocket Guide: Diagnoses, Prioritized Interventions and Rationales
A quick-reference tool to easily select the appropriate nursing diagnosis to plan your patient’s care effectively. - NANDA International Nursing Diagnoses: Definitions & Classification, 2021-2023 (12th Edition)
The official and definitive guide to nursing diagnoses as reviewed and approved by the NANDA-I. This book focuses on the nursing diagnostic labels, their defining characteristics, and risk factors – this does not include nursing interventions and rationales. - Nursing Diagnosis Handbook, 12th Edition Revised Reprint with 2021-2023 NANDA-I® Updates
Another great nursing care plan resource that is updated to include the recent NANDA-I updates. - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5(TM))
Useful for creating nursing care plans related to mental health and psychiatric nursing. - Ulrich & Canale’s Nursing Care Planning Guides, 8th Edition
Claims to have the most in-depth care plans of any nursing care planning book. Includes 31 detailed nursing diagnosis care plans and 63 disease/disorder care plans. - Maternal Newborn Nursing Care Plans (3rd Edition)
If you’re looking for specific care plans related to maternal and newborn nursing care, this book is for you. - Nursing Diagnosis Manual: Planning, Individualizing, and Documenting Client Care (7th Edition)
An easy-to-use nursing care plan book that is updated with the latest diagnosis from NANDA-I 2021-2023. - All-in-One Nursing Care Planning Resource: Medical-Surgical, Pediatric, Maternity, and Psychiatric-Mental Health (5th Edition)
Definitely an all-in-one resources for nursing care planning. It has over 100 care plans for different nursing topics.
See also
Other recommended site resources for this nursing care plan:
- Nursing Care Plans (NCP): Ultimate Guide and Database
Over 150+ nursing care plans for different diseases and conditions. Includes our easy-to-follow guide on how to create nursing care plans from scratch. - Nursing Diagnosis Guide and List: All You Need to Know to Master Diagnosing
Our comprehensive guide on how to create and write diagnostic labels. Includes detailed nursing care plan guides for common nursing diagnostic labels.
Other care plans for hematologic and lymphatic system disorders:
- Anaphylactic Shock | 4 Care Plans
- Anemia | 4 Care Plans
- Aortic Aneurysm | 4 Care Plans
- Deep Vein Thrombosis | 5 Care Plans
- Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation | 4 Care Plans
- Hemophilia | 5 Care Plans
- Leukemia | 5 Care Plans
- Lymphoma | 3 Care Plans
- Sepsis and Septicemia | 6 Care Plans
- Sickle Cell Anemia Crisis | 6 Care Plans