Case Study | Leptospiroses

Q&A cheatsheet - Teresa Narbuada’s Case by applying the Nigthingale's environmental theory

Why is it unsafe for Teresa to share a bed with another patient?

Because it increases the risk of cross-infection, reduces comfort, and violates patient privacy.

How does poor ventilation affect Teresa’s recovery?

Poor ventilation leads to discomfort, stale air, and higher infection risk, which can delay healing.

According to Nightingale, what is the role of the nurse in improving the environment?

The nurse ensures cleanliness, good ventilation, safe surroundings, and advocates for patient needs.

Which factors in Teresa’s environment violate Nightingale’s principles?

Shared bed, unsanitary room, no comfort room, poor ventilation, no food and water, and lack of medicine.

How does a lack of food and water affect a child with leptospirosis?

 It can cause dehydration, weakness, malnutrition, and slower recovery.

Why is Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory still relevant today?

Because the environment still affects recovery, clean air, water, sanitation, and comfort remain essential for healing.

 If you were the nurse caring for Teresa, what interventions would you prioritize?

Maintain cleanliness, promote hygiene, advocate for food and water, ensure safe bed spacing, and provide emotional support.

What is the nurse’s ethical responsibility in this case?

To advocate for the patient’s safety, dignity, and right to proper care despite limited hospital resources.

What is the main principle of Nightingale’s Environmental Theory?

That a clean, safe, and well-ventilated environment is essential for healing.

How does the environment influence the outcome of leptospirosis?

 Poor sanitation, dirty surroundings, and lack of clean water can worsen the infection and delay recovery.

What nursing intervention would you do first in Teresa’s case?

Ensure hygiene and cleanliness of the patient’s surroundings to reduce infection risk.

Why is nutrition important in Teresa’s recovery?

 Because proper food and hydration strengthen the immune system and help the body fight infection.

How does sharing a bed affect the patient psychologically?

It can cause stress, lack of privacy, and discomfort, which may negatively impact healing.

How would you apply advocacy in this situation?

By reporting poor conditions to higher authorities and requesting proper food, water, and a safe space for the patient.

In Nightingale’s time, resources were also limited. How does that relate to Teresa’s case today?

Just like in Nightingale’s era, nurses today must still use creativity and advocacy to improve the environment despite limited resources.

How can nurses compensate for the lack of hospital resources in this case?

By maintaining cleanliness, promoting hand hygiene, organizing the room, and involving the family in simple care measures.

What specific Nightingale principle is most violated in Teresa’s room?

Ventilation and cleanliness, since the room is smelly, crowded, and lacks proper air circulation.

How does the child’s age (9 years old) affect her vulnerability in this environment?

Children are more prone to dehydration, malnutrition, and infections, making a clean and safe environment even more critical.

What would be your role as a student nurse if you encountered this case in real life?

To help maintain the patient’s hygiene, ensure comfort, give emotional support, and report unsafe conditions to the staff nurse or CI.

How is Nightingale’s theory connected to modern infection control practices?

Both emphasize sanitation, clean air, safe water, and hygiene as foundations for preventing and controlling diseases.

If improvements cannot be done immediately, what simple measures can you, as a nurse, provide?

Frequent handwashing, proper waste disposal, ensuring patient hydration, and maintaining the patient’s cleanliness.

What lesson can future nurses learn from Teresa’s case?

That environment is just as important as medicine, and nurses play a big role in advocating for better conditions for patients.

How do you balance limited hospital resources with quality patient care?

By maximizing available resources, being resourceful, involving the family in care, and prioritizing the most urgent needs.