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Nursing Management

THE PATIENT WITH PNEUMONIA

ASSESSMENT

Health History:
Alice Guthrie 77 years old, is a retired school teacher who complains of chills and fever cough sore throat and chest pain the physician diagnoses pneumonia and recommended hospitalization. Ms. Guthrie states she had a cold for about a week and seemed to get progressively worse she states she has “a little” shortness of breath and tires very of breath and tires very easily. Her chest pain is aggravated by coughing she has been taking over-the counter cold remedies. She has a history of hypertension and congestive heart failure for which for which she takes verapamil hydrocloride (calan Sr, 240 mg daily, and digoxin, 0,25 mg daily Ms. Guthrie lives alone in a one-story apartment. She has a close friend next door who visits frequently.

Physical Examination: 
Vital signs: temperature, 100.6 F orally pulse, 92, respiration, 24; blood pressure 160/94. Alert slightly dyspnea skin color pale, nail beds slightly dusky Lung sounds clear to ausculation over right lung fields wheezes and crakles ausculated in left lung. Frequent cough producing greenish sputum No retractions or use of accessory muscles of respiration. Abdomen soft.

GOALS AND OUTCOME

NURSING DIAGNOSIS - CRITERIA - INTERVENTIONS

Ineffective airway clearance related to increased sputum production, and thick secretions. The patient will have a patient airway as evidenced by clear breath sounds without wheezes or crakles. Administer antimicrobials, decongestants, and expectorants as ordered. Administer antitussives as ordered if cough interferes with rest. Suction only if necessary. Turn, deep breathe, and cough at least every 2 hours, perform chest physiotherapy and provide aerosol therapy as ordered. Assess response. Monitor lung sounds, respiratory rate, and characteristics of secretions. Dispose of tissues in a sanitary manner.

Impaired gas exchange related to obstruction of airways by edema and secretions or atelectasis. The patient will have adequate oxygenation as evidenced by normal arterial blood gases and vital signs. Monitor vital signs, lung sounds, skin color gas reports and level of consciousness. Be alert for signs of hypoxemia: restlessness, tachycardia, tachypnea Report abdominal findings to physician. Elevate head of bed. Administer oxygen therapy as ordered.

Activity intolerance related to fatigue or hypoxia. The patient will demonstrate activities of daily living without excessive fatigue or dyspnea instruct in activity restrictions as ordered. Plan care to allow periods of uninterrupted rest. Assist with activities of saily living as needed. Gradually encourage increased activity while monitoring for dyspnea and fatigue. Keep interactions short, and limit visitors.

Altered nutrition: less than body requirements related to anorexia dyspnea or fatigue. The patient will maintain optimal nutritional status as evidenced by stable body weight. Monitor food intake and weight if intake is poor, consult with dietitian about patient preferences suggest small, frequent meals position for comfort. Use oxygen cannula during meals if permitted. Weight daily.

High risk for fluid volume deficit related to inadequate fluid intake, fever or mouth breathing. The patient’s hydration will remain normal as evidenced by fluid intake equal to output, moist mucous membranes, and blood pressure consistent with patient’s norms. Monitor fluid status for signs of fluid volume deficit decreased skin turgor, concentrated urine, decreased urine output, dry mucous membranes, elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Administer intravenous fluids as ordered. Encourage fluids by mouth up to 3 liters daily unless contraindicated. Record intake and output monitor temperature and treat fever as ordered. Keep dry and lightly covered. Administer tepid

Nursing Management
Nursing Process
Patient With Pneumonia
Patient in Congestive Heart Failure
Patient in Sickle Cell Crisis
Enteral Feedings
IntraGastric Feedings
Transpyloric Feedings
Intermittent Feedings
Feedings - Nursing Cares
Postoperative Patient

 
Copyright © 2005 Claudin P. Louis.  All rights reserved.