Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis: a pediatric case study.

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare, debilitating, sometimes fatal disease of uncertain etiology and pathophysiology. The medical literature defines the illness and describes current theories related to its pathophysiology. Little nursing literature addresses PAP. This case study describes and discusses nursing interventions utilized in the home management of a young, female adolescent with this illness. A retrospective analysis of the chart reveals investigative treatment involving daily subcutaneous injections of bacterially synthesized, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Communication and collaboration among health care providers and identification of diverse issues influencing the health of the client resulted in the development of effective nursing interventions. Leininger's Theory of Transcultural Care Diversity and Universality provides a model for interpretation and generalization of nursing interventions. PAP can be managed successfully in the home, but more information on the illness and ethnic and age-specific responses to treatment is needed.