Influenza (also known as flu, or grippe) is an acute inflammation of the nasopharynx, trachea, and bronchioles, with congestion, edema, and the possibility of necrosis of these respiratory structures. Influenza is a highly contagious infection of the respiratory tract caused by three different types of Myxovirus influenzae. It occurs sporadically or in epidemics which peaks usually during colder months.
Nursing Care Plans
Unless complications occur, influenza doesn’t require hospitalization and patient care usually focuses on the relief of symptoms.
Here are six (5) nursing care plans (NCP) and nursing diagnosis (NDx) for Influenza (Flu):
- Ineffective Airway Clearance
- Ineffective Breathing Pattern
- Hyperthermia
- Acute Pain
- Deficient Knowledge
Acute Pain
Nursing Diagnosis
May be related to
- Influenza virus
- Pneumonia
- Coughing
Possibly evidenced by
- Verbalization of pain
- Fever
- Cough with or without production
- Body aches
- Malaise
Desired Outcomes
- Patient will achieve relief from aches and pain
- Patient will report pain is controlled or eliminated
| Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
|---|---|
| Assess patient for complaints of headaches, sore throat, general malaise or body weakness, muscle aches, and pain. | Caused by inflammation or elevated temperature. |
| Assess changes in vital signs. | Vital signs are usually increased as a result of an autonomic response to pain. |
| Administer analgesics as ordered. | Pharmacologic therapy to control pain and aches by inhibiting brain prostaglandin synthesis. |
| Provide restful, quiet environment. | Reduces stimuli that may increase pain. |
| Provide warm baths or heating pad to aching muscles. | Warmth causes vasodilation and decreases discomfort. |
| Provide cool compress to head. | Promotes comfort and treats headache. |
| Provide backrubs as needed. | Promotes relaxation and relieves aches. |
| Encourage gargling with warm water; provide throat lozenges as necessary. | Reduces throat discomfort. |
| Instruct patient or SO in deep breathing, relaxation techniques, guided imagery, massage, and other nonpharmacologic aids. | Helps the patient to focus less on pain, and may improve the efficacy of analgesics by decreasing muscle tension. |
| Instruct patient or SO regarding the use of acetaminophen and to avoid the use of aspirin. | Acetaminophen may relieve pain and headache but should be used cautiously in patients with liver dysfunction because of acetaminophen metabolism in the liver. Aspirin can potentially cause hemorrhage and ulceration, therefore, must be avoided. |
See Also
You may also like the following posts and care plans:
- Nursing Care Plan: The Ultimate Guide and Database – the ultimate database of nursing care plans for different diseases and conditions! Get the complete list!
- Nursing Diagnosis: The Complete Guide and List – archive of different nursing diagnoses with their definition, related factors, goals and nursing interventions with rationale.
Communicable and Infectious Diseases Care Plans
Care plans related to communicable and infectious diseases:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) (HIV Positive) | 13 Care Plans
- Acute Rheumatic Fever | 4 Care Plans
- Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever | 2 Care Plans
- Herpes Zoster (Shingles) | 4 Care Plans
- Influenza (Flu) | 5 Care Plans
- Pulmonary Tuberculosis | 5 Care Plans
Respiratory Care Plans
Care plans about respiratory system disorders:
- Asthma | 8 Care Plans
- Bronchiolitis | 5 Care Plans
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) | 5+ Care Plans
- Cystic Fibrosis | 5 Care Plans
- Hemothorax and Pneumothorax | 3 Care Plans
- Influenza (Flu) | 5 Care Plans
- Lung Cancer | 5 Care Plans
- Mechanical Ventilation | 6 Care Plans
- Near-Drowning | 5 Care Plans
- Pleural Effusion | 6 Care Plans
- Pneumonia | 8+ Care Plans
- Pulmonary Embolism | 4 Care Plans
- Pulmonary Tuberculosis | 5 Care Plans
- Tracheostomy | 5 Care Plans