Problems of persons with HIV/AIDS hospitalized for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia

The authors of this prospective study describe the problems of persons living with HIV/AIDS hospitalized for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) (N=90) and examine how the problems change over time. Data were obtained from four sources and were classified into major problem categories. The largest mean number of problems were reported in the category of PCP. Specific psychosocial problems were more likely to be reported in the patient and nurse interviews than in the chart and intershift report. The study findings validate the physical symptoms addressed in the published care plans and guidelines for caring for patients with PCP. The study identified the limitation of using the patient record as the only data source in determining nursing care needs and emphasized the importance of the patient perspective.