1

Delaware Technical Community College

NUR 320 Health Assessment
RN to BSN program: Plan of Care Chart

STUDENT NAME: Abbey Hilligoss DATE: April 17th 2024

Nursing plan of care

Identified Identified goal or Plan/ Interventions: Projected Evaluation/ Community
problem/need: outcome: (Provide rationale/ and cited evidence Outcomes: (How will you Resources/
(include supporting to justify the rationale) measure that it worked?) Referrals: (Must be
subjective and actual resources from
objective data) the client’s
community. Include
Name, address, web
address, and phone
number)
 Monitor vital signs and assess  Improvement in Nemours Childrens
Problem 1. Resolve the the child's overall condition symptoms such Health ENT specialty
Peritonsillar peritonsillar abscess regularly. as decreased
Abscess Infection – infection and  Administer prescribed throat pain and 141 Becks Wood Dr.
swelling, blisters, associated antibiotics and pain fever. Bear DE, 19701
redness, difficulty inflammation management medications as  Resolution of
swallowing directed. swelling and 302-595-0200
 Encourage adequate hydration redness around
and rest. the tonsils. www.nemours.org
 Provide comfort measures (e.g.,
cool mist humidifier, throat
lozenges).
 2

 Monitor for signs of systemic  Resolution of Nemours Primary Care

inflammation (e.g., fever, fever and
Reduce systemic malaise). malaise. 101 wellness way
inflammation and  Administer anti-inflammatory  Improvement in Milford De 19963
Problem 2. promote overall medications as prescribed (e.g., overall well-
Body-wide recovery. ibuprofen). being and energy 302-503- 7775
Inflammation –  Encourage a balanced diet rich levels.
soreness in joints, in nutrients to support immune www.nemours.org
body aches, function.
swelling.  Provide gentle range of motion
exercises to prevent

 Reduction in Nemours
Problem 3. Reduce lymph node  Apply warm compresses to lymph node size Rheumatology
Swollen Lymph swelling and improve swollen lymph nodes to and tenderness.
Nodes – swelling to drainage. promote drainage.  Improved 1600 Rockland Rd.
neck and groin  Encourage gentle neck massage comfort and ease Wilmington De 19803
region. to facilitate lymphatic of swallowing.
circulation. 800-416-4441
 Monitor for signs of worsening
lymphadenopathy (e.g., www.nemours.org
increasing size, pain).
 Educate caregivers on signs of
infection and when to seek
medical attention.
 3

Comprehensive Care Plan for Pediatric Patient with Peritonsillar Abscess

Pediatric patients often present complex health challenges that necessitate careful

evaluation, prioritization and evidence-based interventions for optimal outcomes. This paper

explores findings, priorities, goals, interventions and evaluation of a health plan created for

A.R. who was diagnosed with peritonsillar abscess infection and related complications.

A.R, a 9-year-old child, presented symptoms indicative of peritonsillar abscess infection:

severe throat pain, fever, malaise and difficulty swallowing. Physical examination revealed

swollen and erythematous tonsils as well as tender lymph nodes in her neck that had

increased tenderness - risks associated with abscess can include airway obstruction, sepsis

and spread of infection; therefore, addressing its inflammation must take priority so as to

decrease its potential risks.

 4

A.R. could face long-term risks related to her abscess if it is not quickly and effectively

managed, including recurrent infections, scarring of the tonsils, and compromised immune

function if treatment measures do not address these factors effectively. Therefore,

comprehensive care must include efforts that prevent recurrence while supporting overall

immunity health.

Goals of A.R.'s care plan include treating abscess infection and inflammation,

decreasing systemic inflammation levels, improving overall wellbeing and relieving lymph node

swelling. We will begin antibiotic therapy: Use prescribed antibiotics such as amoxicillin-

clavulanate or clindamycin to target bacteria responsible and speed abscess resolution. Make

your selection based on susceptibility testing to ensure their effectiveness and prevent

resistance development. (Chiappini) The patient will also be prescribed an anti-inflammatory

medication. Corticosteroids may help reduce systemic inflammation and alleviate symptoms

related to an abscess infection by providing pain, swelling and fever relief. (Maravic-Stojkovic),

For optimal recovery, encourage adequate hydration, rest, and nutritional support through

physical therapy interventions such as gentle neck exercises and warm compresses to ease

any discomfort and promote lymphatic drainage. Furthermore, instruct parents on proper
 5

nutrition, hydration, and hygiene practices in order to support A.R's immune system during her

healing and prevent future infections.

It is important to arrange follow-up appointments to monitor A.R.'s progress and assess

for complications or recurrence of her illness; adjust treatments if necessary and offer ongoing

support and education to parents regarding signs and symptoms of complications as well as

the importance of taking all antibiotic treatments as directed.

Ongoing monitoring of A.R's vital signs, symptoms and overall condition is of critical

importance. Evaluation should focus on assessing resolution of abscesses and associated

inflammation; improvement in systemic inflammation; and reduction of lymph node swelling. To

track progress over time objective measures like temperature, pain scale ratings and physical

exam findings will be utilized; should interventions fail to deliver desired outcomes, further

investigation and alternative strategies will be pursued using evidence-based practices as

guides.
 6

Care of pediatric patients with peritonsillar abscess infections requires a multifaceted

approach that addresses acute symptoms, prevents complications, and strengthens immunity

overall. By prioritizing health issues, setting clear goals, implementing evidence-based

interventions, and conducting thorough evaluations, healthcare providers can optimize results

and support overall well-being among pediatric patients such as A.R.

 7

Reference

Chiappini, E. et al. (2013). Review of the 2011 Italian Pediatric Society Guidelines

Regarding Management of Fever in Children. Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal 32(9), e359-

e369.

Maravic-Stojkovic, V. and colleagues (2018) Infections of the Head and Neck in

Children Acta Medica Academica 47(2) 155-163.