Introduction To Nursing Care Plan For Influenza
A nursing care plan for Influenza is a document prepared and customized for the treatment of patients in a nursing setting. This plan intends to help guide nurses in providing safe, effective, and quality patient care. The purpose of the nursing care plan is to identify risks factors associated with the many manifestations of influenza and provide the registered nurse or healthcare professional with clear directions on how to address them.
Assessment
- Patient history : includes age, past medical history, medication use, and lifestyle
- Review of signs and symptoms : symptomatic presentation, initial laboratory evaluation and chest radiograph findings
- Laboratory and Imaging Evaluations : full blood count, prothrombin time, creatinine and liver function tests, urinalysis, blood cultures and HIV test
- Vaccination Status : epidemic season and current vaccine status
- Environmental Factors : recent exposure to people with influenza
Nursing Diagnosis
The nursing diagnosis for influenza can include:
- Impaired respiratory function related to airway obstruction from secretions and inflammation.
- Ineffective airway clearance related to disruption of normal ciliary action.
- Imbalanced nutrition, less than body requirement related to decreased oral intake due to nausea and/or vomiting.
- Risk for ineffective coping due to overwhelming stress of illness.
Outcomes
- The patient will maintain patent airway during the course of the illness.
- The patient will have normal oxygen saturation throughout treatment.
- The patient will be able to take in adequate nutrition.
- The patient will utilize effective coping methods.
Interventions
The interventions for nursing care plan for influenza include:
- Maintain adequate hydration with oral or intravenous fluids as ordered.
- Monitor vital signs and oxygen saturation regularly.
- Administer specified medications as ordered, such as bronchodilators, antivirals, analgesics and antibiotics.
- Encourage the patient to rest and good nutrition.
- Provide physical and psychological support.
- Assist the patient with coughing and deep breathing exercises.
Rationales
- Adequate hydration helps to reduce edema and prevent bronchospasm.
- Monitoring vital signs and oxygen saturation gives an insight into the progress of the illness.
- Medications provide relief from symptoms and can hasten recovery.
- Rest and proper nutrition promotes healing.
- Physical and psychological support helps reduce stress and improve coping skills associated with the illness.
- Coughing and deep breathing exercises help loosen and expel mucus more effectively.
Evaluation
Assess the patient’s response to the nursing interventions and documented subjective and objective data. Observe the patient’s condition and take note of symptoms of improvement, such as a decrease in fever, improved respiratory status and improved oral intake.
Conclusion
The nursing care plan for influenza is an important step in providing quality care to the influenza patient. It helps the nurse in formulating a plan of care, monitoring the patient's response to therapy, and preventing further complications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the best way to prevent getting influenza?
The best way to prevent getting influenza is to get a flu shot every year. - What are the symptoms of influenza?
The symptoms of influenza include fever, dry cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, chills, and fatigue. - How long does influenza usually last?
Influenza usually lasts for about one to two weeks. - Are there any potential complications of influenza?
Yes, potential complications of influenza include pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, and worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. - Are there any treatments available for influenza?
Yes, treatments for influenza include rest, over-the-counter medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs and antiviral medications prescribed by a doctor.
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