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Acute Respiratory Disorders
Acute Respiratory Disorders
Acute Respiratory
●●
Disorders
●● Encourage immunizations that prevent respiratory disorders,
especially immunizations for influenza and pneumonia to
younger children and older adults, and people who have
chronic illnesses or who are immunocompromised.
●● Limit exposure to airborne allergens, which trigger a
The airway structures permit air to enter and hypersensitivity reaction.
provide for adequate oxygenation and tissue ●● Promote smoking cessation.
There are two types of pneumonia. other mediators from WBCs in the nasal mucosa. The
Community‑acquired pneumonia (CAP) is mediators bind to blood vessel receptors causing capillary
leakage, which leads to local edema and swelling.
the most common type and often occurs
as a complication of influenza. Health
care‑associated pneumonia (HAP) has a higher ASSESSMENT
mortality rate and is more likely to be resistant
EXPECTED FINDINGS
to antibiotics. It usually takes 24 to 48 hr from ●● Excessive nasal drainage, runny nose (rhinorrhea), and
the time the client is exposed to acquire HAP. nasal congestion
●● Purulent nasal discharge
Older adult clients are more susceptible to ●● Sneezing and pruritus of the nose, throat, and ears
●● Itchy, watery eyes
infections and have decreased pulmonary ●● Sore, dry throat
reserves due to normal lung changes, including ●● Red, inflamed, swollen nasal mucosa
●● Low‑grade fever
decreased lung elasticity and thickening alveoli. ●● Diagnostic testing can include allergy tests to identify
possible allergens.
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
ASSESSMENT
●● Clients should be encouraged to begin over‑the‑counter
decongestant use at the first manifestation of sinusitis. EXPECTED FINDINGS
●● Signs of rebound nasal congestion may occur if ●● Severe headache and muscle aches
decongestants are used for more than 3 to 4 days. ●● Chills
Broad‑spectrum antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, are ●● Fatigue, weakness
used on a limited basis for a confirmed causative bacterial ●● Severe diarrhea and cough (avian flu)
pathogen. ●● Fever
●● Hypoxia (avian flu)
Pain relief medicationsinclude NSAIDs, acetaminophen,
and aspirin.
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES
CLIENT EDUCATION AV Avantage A/H5N1 Flu Test
●● Sinus irrigation and saline nasal sprays are an effective
alternative to antibiotics for relieving nasal congestion.
●● Contact the provider for manifestations of a severe
PATIENT‑CENTERED CARE
headache, neck stiffness (nuchal rigidity), and high
fever, which can indicate possible complications. NURSING CARE
●● Maintain droplet and contact precautions for
hospitalized clients who have pandemic influenza.
COMPLICATIONS ●● Provide saline gargles.
Meningitis and encephalitis can occur if pathogens enter ●● Monitor hydration status, intake, and output.
the bloodstream from the sinus cavity. ●● Administer fluid therapy as prescribed.
●● Monitor respiratory status.
MEDICATIONS
Antivirals
●● Amantadine, rimantadine, and ribavirin may be
prescribed for treatment and prevention of influenza.
●● Duration of the influenza infection can be shortened by
antivirals such as the oral inhalant zanamivir and the
oral tablet oseltamivir. In cases of pandemic influenza,
these medications may be distributed widely among
the population.
●● CLIENT EDUCATION: Encourage clients to begin
antiviral medications within 24 to 48 hr after the onset
of manifestations.
●● Flushed face
●● Respiratory services should be consulted for ●● Diaphoresis
respiratory support. ●● Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
●● Community health officials are notified of ●● Tachypnea
influenza outbreaks. ●● Pleuritic chest pain (sharp)
●● State and federal public health officials are consulted ●● Sputum production (yellow‑tinged)
for containment and prevention directives during ●● Crackles and wheezes
pandemic influenza. ●● Coughing
●● Dull chest percussion over areas of consolidation
Decreased oxygen saturation levels (expected reference
CLIENT EDUCATION
●●
and stay home from work or school. ●● Obtain specimen by suctioning if the client is unable
●● Be aware of public health announcements and activation decreased muscle strength. Therefore, older adult clients
of the early warning system by public health officials in have trouble expectorating, which can lead to difficulty in
case of pandemic influenza. breathing and make specimen retrieval more difficult.
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES
Chest x‑ray
●● A chest x‑ray will show consolidation (solidification,
density) of lung tissue. (20.1)
●● Chest x‑ray might not indicate pneumonia for a few
days after manifestations.
●● A chest x‑ray is an important diagnostic tool because
the early manifestations of pneumonia are often vague
in older adult clients.
Bronchodilators
PATIENT‑CENTERED CARE ●● Bronchodilators are given to reduce bronchospasms and
reduce irritation.
Short‑acting beta2 agonists, such as albuterol, provide
NURSING CARE
●●
rapid relief.
●● Position the client to maximize ventilation ●● Cholinergic antagonists (anticholinergic medications),
(high‑Fowler’s = 90%) unless contraindicated. such as ipratropium, block the parasympathetic nervous
●● Encourage coughing or suction to remove secretions. system, allowing for increased bronchodilation and
●● Administer breathing treatments and medications. decreased pulmonary secretions.
●● Administer oxygen therapy. ●● Methylxanthines, such as theophylline, require close
●● Monitor for skin breakdown around the nose and mouth monitoring of serum medication levels due to the
from the oxygen device. narrow therapeutic range.
●● Encourage deep breathing with an incentive spirometer
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
to prevent alveolar collapse. ●● Monitor serum medication levels for toxicity for clients
●● Determine the client’s physical limitations and
taking theophylline. Adverse effects will include
structure activity to include periods of rest.
tachycardia, nausea, and diarrhea.
●● Promote adequate nutrition and fluid intake. ●● Watch for tremors and tachycardia for clients
◯◯ The increased work of breathing requires
taking albuterol.
additional calories. ●● Observe for dry mouth in clients taking ipratropium,
◯◯ Proper nutrition aids in the prevention of secondary
indicate toxicity.
hydration and thinning of secretions, unless
contraindicated due to another condition. CLIENT EDUCATION
●● Provide rest periods for clients who have dyspnea. ●● Encourage clients to suck on hard candies to moisten
●● Reassure the client who is experiencing dry mouth while taking ipratropium.
respiratory distress. ●● Encourage increased fluid intake unless contraindicated.
MEDICATIONS
Antibiotics
20.1 Pneumonia
●● Antibiotics are given to destroy
infectious pathogens. Commonly
used antibiotics include
penicillins and cephalosporins.
●● Antibiotics are often initially
given via IV and then switched
to an oral form as the
condition improves.
●● It is important to obtain any
culture specimens prior to giving
the first dose of an antibiotic.
Once the specimen has been
obtained, the antibiotics can
be given while waiting for the
results of the prescribed culture.
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
●● Observe clients taking
cephalosporins for
frequent stools.
●● Monitor kidney function,
especially older adults who are
taking penicillins and
cephalosporins.
promote hydration.
collapse and increase the risk of hypoxemia.
●● Encourage the client to take glucocorticosteroids ●● The client reports shortness of breath and exhibits
with food.
findings of hypoxemia.
●● Encourage the client to avoid discontinuing ●● The client has diminished or absent breath sounds over
PRACTICE Answer
or influenza infections (rhinorrhea), nasal congestion intake (at least 2,000 mL/day)
●●
Lack of current immunization Purulent nasal drainage
●●
Use of a home humidifier or breathing
●●