Which of the following treatment guideline is suggest in dengue fever EXCEPT?

NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-2)

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Medium

Appeared in: NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-2)

Explanation

The correct answer identifies the treatment that is contraindicated in dengue fever.
NSAIDs like ibuprofen are avoided because dengue infection itself causes thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), increasing bleeding risk.
NSAIDs inhibit platelet aggregation and can cause gastric irritation, which further elevates the risk of hemorrhage (e.g., gastrointestinal bleeding) in a patient already prone to bleeding.

Option A: This is a correct and essential part of dengue management. Maintaining hydration is critical to prevent dehydration and dengue shock syndrome caused by plasma leakage.
Option C: This is a correct and standard supportive care measure for dengue fever. Rest helps reduce the body's metabolic demand and supports the immune system in fighting the infection.
Option D: This is the correct and recommended medication for managing fever and pain in dengue patients. Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is preferred because it does not have the anti-platelet effects associated with NSAIDs.

Visual 1: Table: Do's and Don'ts in Dengue Fever Management.
Visual 2: Infographic: Warning Signs of Severe Dengue (e.g., severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, mucosal bleeding, lethargy).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Pharmacological and supportive management of dengue fever helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
A key nursing responsibility is patient education. Nurses must explicitly instruct patients and their families to avoid all over-the-counter pain relievers containing NSAIDs (like Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Diclofenac) to prevent potentially fatal bleeding complications.
Nurses should monitor for signs of bleeding (petechiae, ecchymosis, epistaxis, gum bleeding, melena) and warning signs of severe dengue, especially during the critical phase when the fever subsides.
What if? If a patient with dengue develops warning signs like severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting, it indicates progression towards severe dengue. The nurse's priority is to ensure immediate escalation for intravenous fluid therapy and intensive monitoring in a hospital setting.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the negative keyword "EXCEPT." This tells you to look for the option that is NOT a correct treatment for dengue fever.
Recall the core pathophysiology of dengue: it's a viral illness that can cause thrombocytopenia (low platelets) and increase bleeding risk.
Evaluate each option based on this knowledge.
Staying hydrated and resting are standard supportive care for most viral illnesses, so they are likely correct treatments.
Compare the two drug options: NSAIDs (Ibuprofen) and Acetaminophen. Consider their mechanisms of action in the context of bleeding risk.
Recognize that NSAIDs inhibit platelet function. Combining this with dengue-induced thrombocytopenia is dangerous. Acetaminophen does not have this effect.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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