Care Plan for Respiratory Infection
Care Plan for Respiratory Infection
Category / Primary Body System
- Respiratory System
Problem
- Patient is at risk for complications due to respiratory infection.
Goal
- Patient will show no signs or symptoms of respiratory distress and the respiratory infection will resolve within 30 days.
Plan/Approach
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Monitoring and Assessment
- Monitor for signs and symptoms of respiratory distress every shift and notify MD/NP if any
- Check temperature every shift while on antibiotics
- Monitor vital signs as needed
- Check oxygen saturation as indicated
- Check lung sounds as ordered
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Medication Administration
- Administer antibiotics as ordered
- Administer nebulizer treatments as ordered
- Provide oxygen via face mask or nasal cannula as ordered by MD/NP
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Hydration and Nutrition
- Encourage fluid intake if not contraindicated
- Dietary consult as needed
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Activity Management
- Encourage patient to pace activities to conserve energy
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Patient and Family Education
- Educate the patient and family about infection prevention and management as needed
- Provide guidance on signs and symptoms that require immediate medical attention
Rationale
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Monitoring and Assessment
- Regular monitoring of respiratory status and vital signs allows for early detection and prompt intervention of any complications, ensuring better outcomes.
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Medication Administration
- Administering prescribed antibiotics and nebulizer treatments ensures effective treatment of the respiratory infection and symptom management.
- Supplemental oxygen helps maintain adequate oxygenation, preventing hypoxia.
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Hydration and Nutrition
- Adequate fluid intake supports overall health and helps thin mucus, making it easier to expel.
- Proper nutrition boosts the immune system and aids in recovery.
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Activity Management
- Conserving energy helps the patient recover more effectively by reducing physical stress on the body.
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Patient and Family Education
- Educating the patient and family empowers them to participate in care, improving adherence to the treatment plan and preventing complications.
Actions
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Monitoring and Assessment
- Assess the patient for signs of respiratory distress (e.g., shortness of breath, use of accessory muscles, cyanosis) every shift.
- Measure and document the patient's temperature every shift while on antibiotics.
- Regularly monitor and record vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure.
- Check oxygen saturation levels using a pulse oximeter as indicated.
- Auscultate lung sounds to detect any abnormalities such as wheezing, crackles, or decreased breath sounds.
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Medication Administration
- Administer antibiotics at the prescribed dosages and intervals.
- Provide nebulizer treatments as ordered, ensuring the patient uses the nebulizer correctly.
- Administer supplemental oxygen via face mask or nasal cannula as prescribed, monitoring the patient’s response and adjusting as necessary.
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Hydration and Nutrition
- Encourage the patient to drink fluids regularly, unless contraindicated by other medical conditions.
- Arrange for a dietary consult to ensure the patient’s nutritional needs are met, adjusting the diet plan as necessary.
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Activity Management
- Advise the patient to rest and avoid strenuous activities.
- Schedule periods of activity and rest to prevent fatigue and promote recovery.
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Patient and Family Education
- Provide education on respiratory infection management, including the importance of completing the full course of antibiotics and using nebulizers properly.
- Teach the patient and family to recognize signs and symptoms that require immediate medical attention, such as worsening shortness of breath or high fever.
- Offer educational materials and answer any questions the patient or family may have.