Nursing care plan for acute bronchiolitis

Introduction to Nursing Care Plan for Acute Bronchiolitis

Acute Bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory tract infection usually caused by a virus, such as the respiratory syncytial virus. It's most common in infants and toddlers. The infection causes inflammation and irritation of the bronchioles, the small airways leading from the trachea into the lungs, resulting in increased mucus production, wheezing and shortness of breath.

Assessment of Acute Bronchiolitis

It is important to assess the severity of bronchiolitis so that it can be managed appropriately. Assessment parameters include newborn screening tests, vital signs, oxygen saturation levels, medical history, physical exam, laboratory data, chest x-rays and other imaging tests

Nursing Diagnosis for Acute Bronchiolitis

The nursing diagnosis for acute bronchiolitis may include: impaired gas exchange, risk for inadequate ventilation, impaired airway clearance, failure to thrive, parental role deprivation, anticipatory grief and disturbed sleep pattern.

Outcomes for Acute Bronchiolitis

• Improved patient comfort
• Absence of hypoxia or respiratory distress
• Enhanced ventilation
• Adequate rest periods, improved developmental milestones attained
• emotional support provided to families

Interventions for Acute Bronchiolitis

• Administer pharmacological interventions as indicated;
• Monitor the patient’s vital signs and oxygenation status;
• Encourage the family to provide adequate fluid intake;
• Promote use of accessory muscles;
• Facilitate prompt diagnosis
• Provide emotional support to families;
• Provide positioning strategies;
• Provide a calm environment.

Rationale for Acute Bronchiolitis

The rationale for the interventions includes promoting adequate oxygenation, improving respiratory mechanics and providing emotional support for the family and patient. Pharmacologic interventions are used to reduce inflammation and improve respiratory mechanics, decrease airway secretions, promote airflow and reduce mucosal edema. Positioning the patient in an upright position when possible is often beneficial and reduces respiratory distress.

Evaluation of Acute Bronchiolitis

Once an intervention has been implemented, it should be evaluated for effectiveness. Evaluation should include assessment of the patient’s vital signs, overall comfort and oxygen saturation level. In addition, the patient’s physical exam should also be evaluated for evidence of improvement, such as decreased wheezing, decreased respiratory distress and/or increased airway sounds.

Conclusion

Acute bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory tract infection that is most often seen in infants and toddlers. Treatment of the infection involves pharmacologic interventions and various supportive measures, such as adequate fluid intake and positioning strategies, in order to ease the symptoms. Nursing care plans provide an organized approach to managing the condition. Understanding the assessment, diagnosis and interventions key to successful implementation of nursing care plans.

FAQs

1. What is Acute Bronchiolitis?Acute Bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory tract infection usually caused by a virus, such as the respiratory syncytial virus. It's most common in infants and toddlers. The infection causes inflammation and irritation of the bronchioles, the small airways leading from the trachea into the lungs, resulting in increased mucus production, wheezing and shortness of breath.
2. What is the best way to treat acute bronchiolitis?Treatment of acute bronchiolitis involves pharmacologic interventions and various supportive measures, such as adequate fluid intake and positioning strategies, in order to ease the symptoms.
3. How is the effectiveness of interventions evaluated?Once an intervention has been implemented, it should be evaluated for effectiveness. Evaluation should include assessment of the patient’s vital signs, overall comfort and oxygen saturation level. In addition, the patient’s physical exam should also be evaluated for evidence of improvement, such as decreased wheezing, decreased respiratory distress and/or increased airway sounds.
4. Are there any complications associated with acute bronchiolitis?Complications of acute bronchiolitis can include secondary bacterial infections, dehydration, apnea, pulmonary hypertension, atelectasis and recurrent wheezing.
5. Are there any preventive measures for acute bronchiolitis?Preventive measures include providing good hygiene, avoiding exposure to second-hand smoke, breastfeeding in cases of premature birth, administering vaccinations to infants, such as the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and the rotavirus oral vaccine.