A Child with Glioblastoma Multiforme — Case Report

Abstract

Introduction. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common central nervous system (CNS) malignancy. It is characterized by an aggressive course with the presence of rapidly growing cells, infiltrating the adjacent brain tissues.Case Report. The case report concerns a 16-year-old child with glioblastoma multiforme. The paper presents selected care problems observed in the child.Discussion. In caring for a child diagnosed with high-grade glioma, the most important care problems are severe, recurrent headaches, nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, chronic stress and anxiety, as well as a significant decrease in mood, resulting in e.g. social isolation. A nurse caring for a child with glioblastoma should not only focus on activities directly related to medical care, but also provide psychological support, which certainly improves the quality of life of the child and his family.Conclusions. A patient with high-grade glioma has many different types of care problems. Some are problems related to the physical sphere, others concern the psychological and social sphere. (JNNN 2020;9(4):152–159)