Running head: KAWASAKI DISEASE

Kawasaki Disease Jennifer Williams Ultimate Medical Academy A&P II SC1075 June 13, 2013 Mr. David Laborde

KAWASAKI DISEASE Kawasaki Disease

Kawasaki disease is a rare acute condition, occurring most often in younger children that are characterized by fever, conjunctivitis, erythematic of the lips and other symptoms. Complications are very rare, can be serious and in some cases fatal. The article highlights the risk factors and the cryptic cause of Kawasaki disease. The disease is scantily recognized and its cause has not yet been determined. Recognizing Kawasaki Disease Kawasaki disease affects the mucus membranes, lymph nodes, walls of the blood vessels, and the heart (Nordqvist, 2009). This disorder causes inflammation of blood vessels in the arteries, especially the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle (Nordqvist, 2009). Most children that are diagnosed with this illness are younger than age 5, and it occurs more often in boys than in girls (Nordqvist, 2009). Kawasaki disease usually has indicating signs and symptoms that appear in phases (Nordqvist, 2009). It often begins with a high and persistent fever greater than 104F, lasting at least 5 days (Nordqvist, 2009). Other symptoms that typically develop include: Reddening of the eyes, cracked lips, red mucous membranes in the mouth, and red palms of the hands and the soles of the feet (Nordqvist, 2009). During the sub-acute phasesecond phase the skin on the hands and feet may begin to peel. The child may experience more pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and be moody (Nordqvist, 2009). The covalescent phase-third phase the child slowly recovers and symptoms improve, and all signs of the disease no longer exist (Nordqvist, 2009). Unfortunately, no single test can detect Kawasaki disease (Nordqvist, 2009). Nursing Perspective As a nurse assessing a patient with Kawasaki disease treatment must be started as soon as the diagnosis is made to prevent the risk of complications to the coronary arteries and heart

KAWASAKI DISEASE (Nordqvist, 2009). Take the patient vital signs perform an ECG on the patient, report heart arrhythmias and any other abnormalities. (Nordqvist, 2009). Administer intravenous gamma globulin to allow antibodies to fight the infection and a high dose aspirin, to help prevent blood clots, reduce fever, rash, and joint inflammation (Nordqvist, 2009). Closely monitor the childs condition, usually improvement is noticeable within 24 hours of treatment (Nordqvist, 2009). The nurse should document and follow-up with the doctor with the patients status. Conclusion Kawasaki disease is uncommon and most doctors have never seen a case as such. Diagnostic difficulties arises because there is no single test to detect the disorder and it mimic

other more common febrile illnesses in children. Treatment within in first 10 days of illness may prevent acute and long term coronary artery damage, which in some cases can be fatal, especially if the diagnosis is missed or treatment not given in a timely manner. This article aims to give an overview Kawasaki disease and understanding its characteristics.

KAWASAKI DISEASE References Nordqvist, C. (2009, September 20). What is kawasaki disease? what causes kawasaki disease?. Medical News Today. Retrieved from http://medicalnewstoday.com/articles/164533.php.

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