32-fluenza

About

Commonly called "Flu", very contagious virus that causes respiratory symptoms and fatigue lasting one week to several weeks. Very debilitating in the elderly or children.

Assess

Signs and symptoms include fever, chills, upper respiratory signs and symptoms, muscle and body aches, severe fatigue, weakness, and anorexia.

Onset of symptoms ( if within 48 hours, may be able to give antivirals to alleviate severity and length of illness), assess fluid-volume status.

Complications

Dehydration- encourage adequate fluid intake, opportunistic infections from bedrest- high-risk individuals may need increased surveillance in hospital setting ( children and elderly or chronically ill).

Diagnosis

• Pain related to inflammatory tissue changes and muscle aches
• Fatigue related to viral illness
• Deficient fluid volume related to fever and inadequate fluid intake
• Pain related to muscle, joint aches

Goals

Client will report a decrease in pain.
Client will demonstrate energy conservation during acute illness state.
Interventions

• Encourage client to rest for the next 5-7 days.
• Encourage increased fluid intake to offset fever.
• Administer analgesics, antihistamines, for symptom management.
• Administer antivirals ( Tamiflu, Relenza, etc.) if within the first 24-48 hours of symptom onset to decrease the length of viral illness.
• Teach client infection control techniques to minimize transfer to close household contacts.
• Teach client signs and symptoms that may require additional medical intervention.
• Teach client about vaccines to prevent future reoccurrence.
• Monitor for signs/ symptoms of complications.