Pediatric Nursing Demystified

Manifestations associated with respiratory infections:

• Cough


• Sputum production


• Hyperinflation of the alveoli


• Bronchiectasis


• Hemoptysis


• Pulmonary insufficiency
  Manifestations associated with gastrointestinal dysfunction:


• Steatorrhea


• Vitamin deficiencies A, D, E, and K


• Diabetes mellitus

Test Results

A quantitative sweat chloride test >60 mEq/L.

Chest radiography

Stool fat and enzyme analysis

Treatment

Chest physiotherapy (CPT)

Postural drainage and percussion

Exercise, deep breathing, and coughing

Antimicrobial agents

• Inhaled antibiotics


• Intravenous antibiotics
  Oxygen therapy
  Replacement of pancreatic enzymes
  High-protein, high-caloric diet
  Salt supplementation during hot weather

Nursing Interventions

Pulmonary and gastrointestinal assessments

Aerosol therapy

Family education to prevent exacerbation of the disease

Educating parents on chest physiotherapy and breathing exercises

Respiratory Distress Syndrome

What Went Wrong?

Premature infants born <36 weeks of gestation may develop respiratory distress

syndrome or hyaline membrane disease (HMD) due to lack of surfactantto

keep the alveoli open.

Signs and Symptoms

Breathing >60 breaths/minute

Retractions (suprasternal and substernal)

2

1

5

4

3

CHAPTER 5/ Respiratory Conditions^85