CHAPTER 2 Respiratory System^131
- Fever over 101°F
- Headache
- Muscle aches (myalgia)
- Watery, nasal discharge
- Sore throat
INTERPRETING TEST RESULTS
- Nasopharyngeal viral culture.
- Rapid diagnostic kit.
TREATMENT
Symptomatic treatment to increase patient comfort and medications to shorten
the duration and intensity of symptoms are the focus of patient management.
Medications need to be started early in the symptoms.
- Administer antipyretics for comfort:
- acetaminophen
- Administer antiviral medications:
- zanamivir, oseltamivir
- amantadine, rimantadine
NURSING DIAGNOSES
- Risk for injury
- Impaired gas exchange
- Hyperthermia
NURSING INTERVENTION
- Administer fluids and electrolytes to replace what is being lost due to sweat-
ing and insensible loss from elevated temperature. - Monitor vital signs.