Question

Jp is a 29 year old female presenting to the Emergency Department with Dyspnea, Myalgia, and Rhinorrhea. Her symptoms began approximately 1 day ago and are continuous, steady getting worst. She is having significant nasal discharge but minimal cough. She has no significant past medical history, and takes no routine medications. She reports receive receiving flu vaccine when her child first fell ill 3 days ago. She was a smoker but quit when she became pregnant 4 years ago.

.

1.      What types of precautions are needed when caring for an individual with influenza?

2.      What types of PPE is required when caring for Jp?

3.      How would the nurse perform the assessment?

4.      What measure can be implemented to reduce the spread of infections?

Answer 1

1. Precautions required for caring a patient with influenza

                   * Influenza is spread through droplet transmission from respiratory secretions of the patient

                     so admitt patient in a isolated area.

                  * Give face masks to patient and health care provider personal protective equipments when

                     taking care of patient.

                  * Avoid spillages of nasal discharges in the bed by providing trays to collect discharges

                    during coughing.

                  * Health care providers should be vaccinated against influenza to avoid spread of infection.

                  * Enhance patient to maintain strict respiratory hygiene and infection control measures.

2. PPE required when caring influenza patients is surgical mask which is not a respirator and help to

    reduce chances of spread of infection.

3. Nursing assessment of influenza

        * Using PPE Nurse can assess the respiratory status of the patient through symptoms like runny

          nose decreased breath sounds,orthopnea,nonproductive cough and changes in respiratory rate

          and depth.

        * Nurse can auscultate the lungs for detection of adventitious breath sounds like wheezes,rhonchi

          and crackles.

       * Assess the skin for identify signs of hypoxemia (cyanosis or pallor )on the mouth or nail beds.

4. Measures used to prevent spread of infection

                  * Clean the patient area every two or four hourly with the help of cleaning staff.

                  * Instruct patient to maintain good respiratory hygiene.

                  * Avoid visitors to direct contact with patient with out using PPE's.

                  * If more patients are admitted with influenza then show visual alerts or posters

                    in front of the unit for giving awireness to other people working in the hospital setting.

                 * Health care providers follow universal precautions during procedure done with infected

                    patients.

                 * Give vaccination to all health care workers who take care of influenza patients.

                 * Information should be give to other departments like radiology and laboratory before

                   shifting influenza patient for screening tests.

                 * Educate family members of the infected patient about the severity of disease and protocols

                   follow to reduce spread of infection.