Pediatric Nursing Demystified

Oxygen therapy and chest physiotherapy may also be required.

Isolation is used as a precautionary measure when patients hospitalized

until the causative agent is identified.

Nursing Intervention

Assess and monitor for manifestations that suggest increasing respiratory

distress.

Provide symptomatic relief through supportive measures.

Encourage adequate fluid intake to remove secretions.

Administer pain medication to encourage deep breathing and respiratory

therapy treatments.

Antibiotic therapy.

Asthma

What Went Wrong?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. It is characterized

by chronic inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and bronchial hyperrespon-

siveness. Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory illness in the childhood

population.

Signs and Symptoms

Expiratory wheezing

Chronic cough

Dyspnea (shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing)

Nonproductive cough

Tachypnea

Chest pain

Irritability

Restlessness

Use of accessory muscles

Orthopnea (an increase in difficulty breathing when students are lying down)

Test Results

Physical assessment findings and client history

Peak expiratory flow (PEF) rates

Pulmonary function test (PFT)

Peak expiratory flow rate

Treatment

Prevent and minimize physical and psychologic morbidity.

Prevent and reduce exposure to airborne allergens and irritants.

Pharmacologic therapy to prevent and control asthma symptoms:

• Reverse airflow obstruction


• Long-term control medications


• Quick-relief medications

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(^82) Pediatric Nursing Demystified