Introduction to Nursing Care Plan for Airway Obstruction
In the medical field, airway obstruction is a medical emergency that may be life threatening. Airway obstruction can prevent the flow of air into the lungs to provide oxygenation through the body, which iscalled respiratory distress. In this situation, it is important to provide support and assistance with breathing until medical help arrives. Nursing care plan for airway obstruction helps them in providing assistance to prevent further adverse complications.
Assessment of Airway Obstruction
Signs and Symptoms: The signs and symptoms of airway obstruction vary based on theunderlying cause, but the common signs and symptoms include excessive saliva or vomit, coughing or wheezing, snoring, or noisy breathing.
Labs and Tests: In order to diagnose the condition, various tests may be ordered including a physical exam, chest x-ray, arterialblood gas analysis, complete blood count, pulse oximetry, and imaging studies.
Nursing Diagnosis
Ineffective Airway Clearance: This diagnosis indicates that the airway of the patient is not cleared properly due to blockage.
Imbalanced Nutrition, Less Than Body Requirements: This diagnosis implies that the patient is not receiving enough nutrition as his/her body needs due to impaired swallowing or failure to eat.
Outcomes of Airway Obstruction
Patient will demonstrate improved airway clearance: The patient will be able to oxygenate by clearing the airway of any obstructions.
Patient will maintain hydration and nutrition: The patient will remain hydrated and receive proper nutrition by maintaining oral and oral motor skills.
Interventions for Airway Obstruction
- Positioning: To open up the airway, the patient should be placed in a semi-prone or semi-upright position.
- Humidification: A humidifier should be used to provide extra moisture to prevent dehydration.
- Suctioning: Performing suctioning helps in clearing out secretions.
- Oxygen Delivery: Administer oxygen using oxygen delivery systems such as mask or nasal cannula.
- Medications: Prescribed medications may be administered to thin the secretions and reduce inflammation.
Rationales for Interventions
- Positioning: This helps in opening the airway and reduces muscle fatigue.
- Humidification: The humidifier increases the humidity of the surrounding environment and clears out mucous plugs.
- Suctioning: Suctioning helps clear out secretions and debris, therefore decreasing airway obstruction.
- Oxygen Delivery: Administering oxygen enhances oxygenation and improves patient’s vital signs.
- Medications: The medications help thin out secretions and decrease inflammation.
Evaluation of Nursing Care Plan for Airway Obstruction
Patient's response should be monitored regularly to assess the effectiveness of interventions. The patient's oxygen saturation levels and respiration rate should be monitored to determine the effectiveness of the nursing care plan. The patient's breathing pattern should also be evaluated and monitored regularly.
Conclusion
Nursing care plan for airway obstruction includes assessments, setting goals, interventions, and evaluation. Following the nursing care plan helps in improving the patient’s condition and preventing further complications.
FAQs
- What is Nursing Care Plan for Airway Obstruction?
Nursing care plan for airway obstruction is the management plan provided by nurses that helps in providing support to improve the condition of the patient, assist with breathing, and prevent further adverse complications.
- What are the main components of Nursing Care Plan for Airway Obstruction?
The main components of the plan include assessment, nursing diagnosis, outcomes, interventions, and evaluation.
- When should a patient receive Nursing Care Plan for Airway Obstruction?
Nursing care plan for airway obstruction should be started as soon as possible in a medical emergency as airway obstruction is a life threatening condition.
- What are the benefits of following Nursing Care Plan for Airway Obstruction?
Following nursing care plan helps in improving the condition of the patient, preventing further complications, and assisting with breathing.
- What tests and labs should be done for airway obstruction?
Various tests and labs may be ordered including physical exam, chest x-ray, arterial blood gas analysis, complete blood count, pulse oximetry, and imaging study.
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