Children with Congenital Zika Syndrome: the complexity of nursing care during hospitalization

Abstract

Objectives: to classify the degree of dependence on nursing care required by children with Congenital Zika Syndrome during hospitalization and to analyze their complexity. Methods: this is a descriptive, observational and quantitative study carried out in a pediatric ward of a public hospital in Rio de Janeiro. Data were collected from hospitalization records between June 2017 and April 2018. Results: 54% of the population studied showed a degree of dependence equivalent to semi-intensive care. On 37.5% of hospitalization days, patients required non-invasive or invasive mechanical ventilation; 31.5% had spontaneous breathing requiring airway clearance by aspiration and/or oxygen therapy. Conclusion: Congenital Zika Syndrome represents a challenge for health professionals due to its uniqueness. In this study, it is expressed by demands for complex and continuous care in hospitalization and in preparation for discharge, requiring semi-intensive nursing care. Descriptors: Zika Virus Infection; Pediatric Nursing; Nursing Care; Child; Hospitalization.