Nursing care plan for influenza

Introduction to Influenza Nursing Care Plan

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe disease; serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death. Some people, such as older adults, children younger than 5, pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease and diabetes, are at high risk for serious flu complications.

Assessment of Influenza Symptoms

• Abrupt onset of high fever
• Cough
• Sore throat and runny nose
• Headache, myalgia, malaise and chills
• Anorexia
• Lethargy
• Nasal congestion and sneezing
• Occasional diarrhea and vomiting

Nursing Diagnosis of Influenza

1. Ineffective airway clearance related to increased respiratory secretions and nausea
2. Alteration in Comfort related to Fever and body aches
3. Imbalanced Nutrition, Less Than Body Requirements due to Anorexia

Outcomes for Influenza Care Plan

Patient will demonstrate:

• Effective cough and deep breathing
• Normal body temperature and comfort level
• Improvement in health status

Interventions for Influenza Care Plan

• Assess patient's respiratory rate, depth and rhythm of respiration, quality of breath sounds.
• Encourage adequate fluid intake of warm liquids, tea, coffee, broths, and juices.
• Administer antipyretic medications as needed.
• Instruct the patient and family on hand-washing and avoidance of contact with others.
• Assess nutritional needs, food preferences and desire for food.

Rationales for Influenza Care Plan

• Elevated respiratory rate, shallow breathing and abnormal breath sounds suggest ineffective airway clearance.
• Fluids can increase ciliary clearance, hydration, and bronchial secretions, diminish fever.
• Medication can reduce fever and discomfort for the patient.
• Isolation/social distancing and good hygiene practices are necessary to prevent further transmission.
• Nutritional needs must be assessed to identify alterations in metabolism like anorexia, to help conserve energy.

Evaluation of the Influenza Care Plan

The influenza care plan is evaluated based on the improvement in the patient's condition. The following parameters are observed:

• Maintain the normal respiratory rate
• Improve comfort level
• Achieve normal body temperature

Conclusion

Nursing interventions help in identifying the signs and symptoms of influenza, reducing the risk of complications and improving the overall patient condition. Keeping up with vaccination schedules and understanding the principles of airway clearance and nutrition are also important in the management of the flu.

FAQs About Influenza Care Plan

• What is Influenza?
  Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe disease.
• What are the symptoms of Influenza?
  Symptoms of influenza include abrupt fever, cough, sore throat and runny nose, headache, myalgia, malaise and chills, anorexia and lethargy, nasal congestion, and sneezing.
• What are the Nursing Diagnosis of Flu?
  Nursing diagnosis of flu includes Ineffective airway clearance, Alteration in Comfort and Imbalanced Nutrition, Less Than Body requirements.
• What are the Interventions for Influenza Care Plan?
  Interventions for influenza care plan includes assessment of respiratory rate, encouraging adequate fluid intake of warm liquids, administering antipyretic medications, instructing the patient and family on hand-washing and isolation practices and assessing the patient's nutritional needs.
• What should be evaluated in terms of Indluenza Care Plan?
  The evaluation of influenza care plan is done based on the improvement in the patient's condition. Parameters observed are maintaining the normal respiratory rate, improve comfort level, and achieve normal body temperature.