[An experience providing home care to a victim of cerebral vascular accident and purple urine bag syndrome].

This article presents the case of a victim of cerebral vascular accident with long duration of urinary catheterization, who developed a purple urine bag syndrome (PUBS) because of deficiency of knowledge and skills in home care and lack of communication and support among family members. In this case, the main caregivers also experienced psychophysical fatigue and fear, which diminished family coping ability. During the period of nursing care, from March 10 to August 15, 2006, we carried out 10 home care visits and eight telephone consultations. Exiting urinary tract infection, constipation, and compromised coping and ineffective family were identified as the three main nursing care issues. As we successfully instilled trust and developed a positive relationship with the patient, we provided continuous and comprehensive nursing care to resolve the PUBS issue her which was causing her anxiety, and her constipation, as well as stabilizing her family function. Consequently, through this care experience involving a sick elderly patient, we promoted the function of nursing home care. From this case intervention, we found that health education should be closely followed up in order to maintain its effectiveness. Insufficient communication skills, however, were identified through meetings with the patient's family. We suggested related family communication skills and practices should be included in clinical nursing training courses to enhance skills in dealing with family issues and life quality among patients and their families.