Patient with Infectious Diseases

Influenza

Ernest is a 66-year-old patient who has come to the emergency department (ED) complaining of
fatigue, weakness, aching in his back, dry cough, nasal congestion, and occasional shortness of breath.
He states, “I just started feeling bad all of a sudden.” He rates his discomfort in his back a 4 on a
numerical scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being the most uncomfortable. His health history is positive for
hypotension, cerebral vascular accident without defi cits, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Ernest’s vital signs are temperature 101.6°F, pulse 108, respirations 22, and blood pressure 100/50

The Physician has ordered a chest x-ray, a pulse oximetry check, oxygen at 2 L/min nasal
cannula, and a nasopharyngeal (nasal swab) test for influenza. The primary care provider knows the
nasopharyngeal (nasal swab) test will detect influenza.

Ernest does not understand how he contracted influenza (flu). Ernest was admitted into the
hospital with the diagnosis of influenza and was ordered to be on droplet precautions. Ernest was
ordered to receive Tamiflu 75 mg twice a day for 5 days and intravenous fluids. He was also encouraged
to drink fluids to help keep him hydrated.

Ernest has begun to feel better. He is afebrile and no longer has the aches he was experiencing
upon admission. He states, “I have energy to do my daily walks.” He is anxious to go home. The nurse
assessed that Ernest did not have his influenza vaccine when reviewing his chart. The nurse knows that
Ernest should receive the influenza vaccine. The nurse explained to Ernest the benefits of receiving the
influenza vaccine.

Guided Questions
1. Case Introduction (Definition of case, current trends and update related to topic)
2. Health assessment summary
3. Integrated pathophysiology (Patient/Book base)
4. Medical management (Laboratory Studies/Drug Studies)
5. Formulate nursing care plan