Process of therapeutic behaviors until the independence of adult patients who developed nephrotic syndrome in their preschool period

Abstract

 This study clarified the process of therapeutic behaviors until the independence of adult patients who developed nephrotic syndrome in their preschool period. We conducted a descriptive research to analyze five patients who had moved to an adult care facility. Based on analysis results, we generated the following descriptions: “faced the reality of being sick through an uncomfortable hospital stay”, “knew that the disease recurred”, “made a routine of taking a urine dipstick test and oral medicine”, “felt the recurrence was only an error, and were aware they were being sick”, “faced the illness through social life”, “prepared to live with the disease”, “asked questions regarding the treatment and express opinions of recurrence prevention”, and “thought specifically of living with the illness”. From these descriptions, we observed a series of processes for each period experienced by the patients: a period of being passive, a mixed period of being passive and active, and a period of being active. This study suggested that nurses need to help children build on their experiences during their growth and development.