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5 Influenza (Flu) Nursing Care Plans

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By Matt Vera, BSN, R.N.
Influenza Nursing Care Plans
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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):

  1. Ineffective Airway Clearance
  2. Ineffective Breathing Pattern
  3. Hyperthermia
  4. Acute Pain
  5. Deficient Knowledge

4. Acute Pain

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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

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  • Patient will achieve relief from aches and pain
  • Patient will report pain is controlled or eliminated
Nursing InterventionsRationale
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.
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4. Acute Pain

Recommended Resources

Recommended nursing diagnosis and nursing care plan books and resources.

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See Also

Other recommended site resources for this nursing care plan:

Other nursing care plans related to respiratory system disorders:

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Matt Vera, BSN, R.N.
Matt Vera is a registered nurse with a bachelor of science in nursing since 2009 and is currently working as a full-time writer and editor for Nurseslabs. During his time as a student, he knows how frustrating it is to cram on difficult nursing topics. Finding help online is nearly impossible. His situation drove his passion for helping student nurses by creating content and lectures that are easy to digest. Knowing how valuable nurses are in delivering quality healthcare but limited in number, he wants to educate and inspire nursing students. As a nurse educator since 2010, his goal in Nurseslabs is to simplify the learning process, break down complicated topics, help motivate learners, and look for unique ways of assisting students in mastering core nursing concepts effectively.
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