1. The client/caregiver can define toxic shock syndrome and causes.
   1. It is a rare but life-threatening staph bacterial infection.
   2. It is most often seen with the use of superabsorbent tampons and contraceptive sponges.
   3. It can also affect men, children, and postmenopausal women who have skin wounds and surgery.
2. The client/caregiver can list signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome.
   1. Sudden high fever
   2. Vomiting or diarrhea
   3. A rash that resembles a sunburn and appears mostly on palms of hands and soles of feet
   4. Confusion
   5. Muscle aches
   6. Redness of your eyes, mouth, and throat
   7. Seizure activity
   8. Headaches
3. The client/caregiver can list possible complications.
   1. Hypotension
   2. Kidney damage/failure
4. The client/caregiver can list measures to prevent or manage this disease.
   1. Contact physician for previously listed symptoms.
   2. If using tampons
      • Change frequently
      • Use lowest absorbency tampon
      • Alternate use of tampon and sanitary napkins when possible
      • Physician may recommend avoiding tampons after you have experienced
      • toxic shock syndrome or a prior staph infection.

Resources

The National Women’s Health Information Center

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health
www.4woman.gov/

References

Ackley, B. J., & Ladwig, G. B. (2006). Nursing diagnosis handbook: A guide to planning care.
Philadelphia: Mosby Inc.
Cohen, B. J., & Wood, D. L. (2000). Memmler’s the Human Body in Health and Disease (9th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Nutrition made incredibly easy. (2003). Springhouse: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.
Portable RN: The all-in-one nursing reference. (2002). Springhouse: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.
Taylor, C., Lillis, D., & LeMone, P. (2005). Fundamentals of nursing. Philadelphia: Lippincott
Williams & Wilkins. Timby, B. K., & Smith, N. C. (2003). Introductory medical-surgical nursing (8th ed.). Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Credits

Client Teaching Guides for Home Health Care, 2nd ed.
© 2008 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc.
www.jbpub.com