Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that

commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. People who
get malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like
illness. That is transmitted by the bite of Anopheles mosquitoes.

 It predominantly occurs in tropical and subtropical areas such as in sub-

Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America where the mosquitos that carry the
parasite live.
 Malaria is one of the most severe public health problems worldwide.
 In humans, the parasites grow and multiply first in the liver cells and then in
the red cells of the blood.

-Malaria is usually classified as asymptomatic,

uncomplicated or severe.

1. Asymptomatic malaria can be caused by all Plasmodium species; the

patient has circulating parasites but no symptoms. PLASMODIUM IS A
PARASITE
2. Uncomplicated malaria can be caused by all Plasmodium species.
Symptoms generally occur 7-10 days after the initial mosquito bite.
Symptoms are non-specific and can include fever, moderate to severe
shaking chills, profuse sweating, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and
anemia, with no clinical or laboratory findings of severe organ dysfunction.
3. Severe malaria is usually caused by infection with Plasmodium falciparum
Complications include severe anemia and end-organ damage, including
coma (cerebral malaria), pulmonary complications (for example, edema
and hypoglycemia or acute kidney injury.
Nursing Assessment
Assessment of a patient with malaria includes:

 History. In patients with suspected malaria, obtaining a history of recent or remote

travel to an endemic area is critical; asking explicitly if they traveled to a tropical area
at any time in their life may enhance recall; maintain a high index of suspicion for
malaria in any patient exhibiting any malarial symptoms and having a history of travel
to endemic areas.
 Demographic data. Also determine the patient’s immune status, age, and pregnancy
status; allergies or other medical conditions that he or she may have; and medications
that he or she may be using.

Nursing Diagnosis

Based on the assessment data, the major nursing diagnosis for a patient with malaria may
include:

 Risk for infection related to weaken immune system.

 Hyperthermia related to increased metabolic rate and dehydration.
 Impaired tissue perfusion related to a decrease in the cellular components needed for
the delivery of oxygen and nutrients in the body.
 Fluid volume deficit related to excessive sweating and dehydration.
 Knowledge deficit related to lack of exposure and information about the disease
process, its treatment, and prognosis.

Nursing Care Planning and Goals

The nursing care plan goals for a patient with malaria are:

 Prevent infection.
 Reduce increase in and regain normal body temperature.
 Improve tissue perfusion.
 Improve fluid volume of the body.
 Gain information on malarial disease process, treatment, and prognosis.
Nursing Interventions
Nursing interventions for a patient with malaria include the following:

 Improve body temperature. Warm water compress on forehead and both axilla (not
more than 15 minutes each time); maintain warm environment by using warm
blankets, adequate clothing); patient may sweat excessively, make sure to avoid
exposing patient to wet clothes and linens; administration of antipyretic drugs as
ordered.
 Improve tissue perfusion. Patient may need supplemental oxygen if condition is
severe; maintain a well-ventilated room; head of the bed at 30º.; lessen activities that
require moderate to high exertion.
 Improve fluid volume. Expect loss of fluid through sweat; provide information about
fluid balance and guideline for fluid replacement; encourage increase in oral fluid
intake; administer parenteral fluids as ordered.
 Educate the patient and family. Review the disease process and therapy, focusing on
patient’s concerns; discuss importance of adhering to therapy; go over medication,
purpose, frequency, dosage, and side effects; have a family member or trusted
individual listen to and understand guideline of treatment as the patient chooses.