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):
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. |
Recommended Resources
Recommended nursing diagnosis and nursing care plan books and resources.
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- Nursing Care Plans: Nursing Diagnosis and Intervention (10th Edition)
An awesome book to help you create and customize effective nursing care plans. We highly recommend this book for its completeness and ease of use. - Nurse’s Pocket Guide: Diagnoses, Prioritized Interventions and Rationales
A quick-reference tool to easily select the appropriate nursing diagnosis to plan your patient’s care effectively. - NANDA International Nursing Diagnoses: Definitions & Classification, 2021-2023Â (12th Edition)
The official and definitive guide to nursing diagnoses as reviewed and approved by the NANDA-I. This book focuses on the nursing diagnostic labels, their defining characteristics, and risk factors – this does not include nursing interventions and rationales. - Nursing Diagnosis Handbook, 12th Edition Revised Reprint with 2021-2023 NANDA-I® Updates
Another great nursing care plan resource that is updated to include the recent NANDA-I updates. - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5(TM))
Useful for creating nursing care plans related to mental health and psychiatric nursing. - Ulrich & Canale’s Nursing Care Planning Guides, 8th Edition
Claims to have the most in-depth care plans of any nursing care planning book. Includes 31 detailed nursing diagnosis care plans and 63 disease/disorder care plans. - Maternal Newborn Nursing Care Plans (3rd Edition)
If you’re looking for specific care plans related to maternal and newborn nursing care, this book is for you. - Nursing Diagnosis Manual: Planning, Individualizing, and Documenting Client Care (7th Edition)
An easy-to-use nursing care plan book that is updated with the latest diagnosis from NANDA-I 2021-2023. - All-in-One Nursing Care Planning Resource: Medical-Surgical, Pediatric, Maternity, and Psychiatric-Mental Health (5th Edition)
Definitely an all-in-one resources for nursing care planning. It has over 100 care plans for different nursing topics.
See Also
Other recommended site resources for this nursing care plan:
- Nursing Care Plans (NCP): Ultimate Guide and Database
Over 150+ nursing care plans for different diseases and conditions. Includes our easy-to-follow guide on how to create nursing care plans from scratch. - Nursing Diagnosis Guide and List: All You Need to Know to Master Diagnosing
Our comprehensive guide on how to create and write diagnostic labels. Includes detailed nursing care plan guides for common nursing diagnostic labels.
Other nursing care plans related to respiratory system disorders:
- Asthma | 8 Care Plans
- Bronchiolitis | 5 Care Plans
- Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) | 5 Care Plans
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) | 7 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 | 11 Care Plans
- Pulmonary Embolism | 4 Care Plans
- Pulmonary Tuberculosis | 5 Care Plans
- Tracheostomy | 5 Care Plans