Nursing care for patients with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis undergoing whole-lung lavage therapy: Case report

RATIONALE: Whole-lung lavage (WLL) is the definitive treatment for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP), yet it carries significant perioperative risks. Precision nursing is vital to optimize outcomes. PATIENT CONCERNS: Four PAP patients presented with progressive dyspnea and severe anxiety regarding the complex surgical procedure and its uncertain prognosis. DIAGNOSES: The diagnosis was confirmed by the characteristic "paving stone" pattern on chest computed tomography and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis. INTERVENTIONS: A full-cycle precision nursing protocol was implemented, encompassing preoperative pulmonary prehabilitation and psychological support, intraoperative vital-sign monitoring with multidisciplinary collaboration, and postoperative airway management coupled with structured discharge follow-up. OUTCOMES: All patients completed WLL successfully with stable intraoperative physiology. No adverse events occurred. Postoperative respiratory function improved significantly, and therapeutic effects were sustained. LESSONS: Full-cycle precision nursing ensures the safety and efficacy of WLL for PAP patients, optimizes perioperative management, prevents complications, and promotes patients' long-term functional recovery. This standardized nursing model is feasible and worthy of clinical popularization.