Question

Health South has recently opened (March 20, 2019) an Independent Living/Assisted Living facility near Pensacola, FL. Applications were taken from residents for two months prior to opening and all accepted residents were verified for up-to-date immunizations, including 2018-19 influenza, pneumonia, and shingles. Most residents had relocated from other areas of Florida to take advantage of the amenities and programs offered by Health South.

Within two weeks of opening several residents presented to nursing staff with symptoms of influenza. To insure speedy evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of these residents, Health South contacted Kimberly, a Nurse Practitioner at a local Acute Care Center to secure appointments for them.

1. What details of the clients’ history would Kimberly be especially interested in and why?

2. What symptoms would Kimberly assess to verify a diagnosis of influenza?

3. Since all of these residents are verified to have received the 2018-19 influenza immunization should Kimberly assume they do not have influenza and look for other related infections?

4. What treatments would you expect Kimberly to prescribe for these clients? Would you expect her to prescribe the same treatment for all residents determined to have probable influenza? Why or why not?

5. What influenza prevention, disease management practice should Kimberly recommend to Health South when in consultation with their staff?

Answer 1

1. Onset, duration, associated symptoms, if any other family members have also been affected, immunization history,etc
2. Besides using rapid flu test kits, clinical signs and symptoms can also help in diagnosing flu. Fever, cold, sore throat, muscle ache, headache, watery eyes, etc
3. No. Influenza is known to emerge with different strains periodically. Thus, it won't be wise to rule it out completely.
4. Certain antiviral drugs along with bed rest, proper hydration and care.
5. Maintain hygiene, use sanitizer, cover mouth when sneezing/coughing, wash hands.,