Question

Influenza-Diagnosis, pathophysiology related to client problem, health promotion and disease prevention, risk factors, expected findings, Lab tests, diagnostic procedures, nursing care, medications , client education,Therapeutic procedures , lnterprofessional care, safety considerations, complications.

Answer 1

#. Influenza :-

Influenza, is commonly known as the flu. It is an infectious disease that is caused by the influenza virus. It can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death.

#. Pathophysiology :-

Virus invades the epithelium of the respiratory tract, causing inflammation and desquamation (slough).

After attacking the host cell, viral RNA enters the host cell and uses the host to replicate.

New viruses burst forth to invade other health cells.

Viral invasion destroys host cells, impairing respiratory defenses (especially the mucociliary escalator) thus making patient susceptible to secondary infections.

#. Transmission :-

Influenza virus may be transmitted among humans in three ways:

By direct contact with infected individuals.

By contact with contaminated objects, such as doorknobs or toys.

By inhalation of virus-laden aerosols, coughing, sneezing etc.

#. Symptoms :-

Symptoms of influenza include:

Runny or stuffy nose

Muscle or body aches

Headaches

Fatigue (tiredness)

#. Diagnosis :-

Throat swabs, nasopharyngeal washes or swabs, or sputum culture isolate the influenza virus.

Immunodiagnostic techniques show viral antigens in tissue culture or in exfoliated nasopharyngeal cells obtained by washings.

White blood cell (WBC) count is elevated in secondary bacterial infection.

WBC count is decreased in overwhelming viral or bacterial infection.

Rapid influenza antigen tests are positive for the type of influenza (A or B).

#. Treatment :-

A person can either take antiviral drugs, these will relieve symptoms of the disease as the immune fights it or directly fights the disease itself.

There is also symptomatic treatment which is simply to:

Stay at home

Get plenty of rest

Drink lots of liquids

Do not smoke or drink alcohol

Consider over-the-counter medications to relieve flu symptoms

Consult a physician early on for best possible treatment

Remain alert for emergency warning signs

#. Management :-

To prevent receiving influenza an individual can receive the annual flu jab either by vaccination or nasal spray. Other simple ways to reduce spreading is to stay at home when sick and to wash hands when coughing or sneezing

#. Complications :-

Pneumonia

Croup

Ear infections

Myositis

Exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Reye syndrome

Rhabdomyolysis

Myocarditis

Pericarditis

Transverse myelitis

Encephalitis

Death

#. Nursing interventions :-

A. Assess sputum for volume, color, consistency, & clarity

B. Assist client to cough productively by deep breathing q2h (incentive spirometer), using humidity to loosen secretions (may be oxygenated), suctioning the airway if necessary, chest physiotherapy

C. Provide fluids up to 3L/day unless contraindicated (helps liquefy secretions)

D. Assess lung sounds before & after coughing

E. Assess rate, depth, and pattern or respirations regularly

F. Monitory ABGs (PO2>80, PCO2<45)

G. Monitor O2 sat.

H. Assess skin color

I. Assess mental status, restlessness, irritability

J. Administer O2 as prescribed

K. Monitor temp regularly

L. Provide adequate rest periods, including uninterrupted sleep

M. Administer antibiotics as prescribed

N. Teach about risk factors & preventive measures to high risk clients and their families

O. Encourage at risk groups to get annual pneumonia & flu vaccinations

P. Promote rest & conserve energy