<h3>Overview</h3>
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Contagious viral respiratory infection</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Spread by contact or droplet transmission or contact with something the infected person has touched</li>
</ol>
<h3>Nursing Points</h3>
<h4>General</h4>
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">3 Types
<ol style="list-style-type: lower-alpha;">
<li style="font-weight: 400;">A&amp;B- more severe and contagious</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">C- less severe and contagious </li>
</ol>
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">More common in the winter months </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">School- age kids major source of transmission in communities </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Very important to educate about prevention
<ol style="list-style-type: lower-alpha;">
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Flu vaccine
<ol style="list-style-type: lower-roman;">
<li style="font-weight: 400;">IM
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Approved for kids &gt;6 months of age </li>
</ol>
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Intranasal
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Live virus</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Approved for kids &gt;2 yrs</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Hand hygiene</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Prevent contact with other children until fever free for 24 hours</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
<h4>Assessment</h4>
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">High fever that occurs suddenly</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Runny nose</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Sore throat</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Dry cough </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Malaise</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Nausea and vomiting</li>
</ol>
<h4>Therapeutic Management</h4>
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Implement droplet precautions </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Encourage fluids and rest </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Medications
<ol style="list-style-type: lower-alpha;">
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antivirals (neuraminidase inhibitors, M2 inhibitors)
<ol style="list-style-type: lower-roman;">
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) 
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Safe for kids &gt;1 yr</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Zanamivir (Relenza)
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Safe for kids &gt;5-7 years</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antipyretics
<ol style="list-style-type: lower-roman;">
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Acetaminophen</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Ibuprofen</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Avoid aspirin due to risk of Reye’s Syndrome</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Monitor for complications
<ol style="list-style-type: lower-alpha;">
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Viral pneumonia </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Encephalitis</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Otitis media </li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
<h4>Nursing Concepts</h4>
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Immunity</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Infection Control</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Oxygenation</li>
</ol>
<h3>Patient Education</h3>
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Avoid aspirin due to risk of Reye’s Syndrome</li>
</ol>

Pediatrics

peds-13-05-influenza-flu

13.05 Influenza &#8211; Flu

So we’re going to talk about Influenza, or the Flu. I guarantee you you’ve either had the flu or know someone who’s had it, right? This is a very common seasonal virus that affects millions of Americans and is actually getting more and more severe every year. Since you’re probably very familiar with it, we won’t get too deep in the symptoms and management, but what we WILL talk about is prevention and the major things you’re going to need to know for the NCLEX and when you’re working on the floor as a new nurse.
So let’s review the main symptoms of flu. The big thing to note is that the flu tends to have a sudden onset of symptoms (whereas other viruses may come on gradually). You’ll get aches everywhere &#8211; headache, muscle aches, body aches. You’ll have upper respiratory symptoms &#8211; runny nose, sore throat, and a productive cough. Some flus can even cause gastroenteritis so you’ll see vomiting &#8211; we call that the ‘stomach flu’. And then the flu tends to come with a high fever &#8211; usually between 102 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Now, because it’s a virus, there’s often very little we can do pharmacologically for these patients. We do have antivirals that we can give within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Even better if we can get it within 24 hours. The most common one is oseltamivir, better known as Tamiflu. But, these medications have more and more adverse effects these days and the flu virus is starting to show some resistance. The best thing we can do is promote bedrest and lots of fluids &#8211; and encourage them to eat good nutritious meals. Sometimes when they’re that fatigued, they lose their appetite &#8211; but we know that proper nutrition can help with healing, right? So we need to encourage them to eat. Now, because it affects the respiratory system &#8211; we may see patients requiring oxygen and in extreme cases even ventilatory support.
But the MOST important thing we can do is prevent the flu from spreading. Both from patient to patient within the hospital and from the patient to the rest of the community. The number one method we can use to prevent the spread of an infection is to wash our hands. This is huge. Influenza is spread through droplets, so once someone sneezes, those droplets are all over everything we touch. You guys have you ever seen this? Someone sneezes and it’s like a cloud of snot coming out? It’s awful. So we make sure they cover their cough or their sneeze to keep those droplets contained. We want to protect our mucus membranes &#8211; meaning don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth unless you’ve thoroughly washed your hands &#8211; that’s the quickest way to contract these infections because from those mucus membranes it goes straight into the bloodstream. We talk about isolation both inside and out of the hospital. We stress that patients with symptoms should not be going out in public and should avoid having lots of visitors over. In the hospital they’ll be on Droplet isolation precautions &#8211; what does that entail? That’s gloves and a simple mask. And GOOD HAND HYGIENE &#8211; I really can’t stress that enough &#8211; especially with droplet transmission.
Now, let’s talk quickly about the flu vaccine. This is something you’re going to play a huge role in as the nurse. In fact, many times doctors aren’t part of this decision-making process at all. At the facility where I work, we have a standing order for the whole hospital. If they are eligible without contraindications, it automatically gets ordered under the hospital’s medical director. So who should get a flu vaccine &#8211; well anyone who is significantly susceptible to it. It would be ideal if everyone got it, but we prioritize those at risk. That includes healthcare workers, the elderly and children older than 6 months &#8211; remember their immune systems are a bit weaker than the average adult. And then anyone who is immunocompromised. A big point here is that if they are immunocompromised they can NOT receive the nose spray &#8211; it is a live virus and can cause problems in immunocompromised patients.
So now let’s review who CAN’T receive the vaccine. First is anyone with a severe allergy to latex. The flu vaccine in rare cases can cause Guillain-Barre syndrome, so anyone who has had it in the past should not receive the vaccine. Anyone who has had a recent transplant &#8211; bone marrow, or organ transplant &#8211; shouldn’t get this vaccine. Their immune systems will not be able to tolerate it, usually because of all the anti-rejection meds they’re taking. And finally anyone who is currently ill with a fever should not receive it &#8211; again this has to do with their immune system being a bit preoccupied &#8211; it won’t be able to create the antibodies like it’s supposed to.
Make sure you educate your patient before giving the vaccine &#8211; most facilities have a VIS or Vaccine information sheet you can give them. And if they refuse, make sure you document that as well.
As usual, there is a careplan attached to this lesson for detailed interventions, but let’s review priority nursing concepts for a patient with the flu. First, remember that prevention is the most important so we want to promote health in our patients by educating them on how to prevent the spread. Infection control because we also want to prevent the spread to other patients and keep the virus from getting any worse. And finally oxygenation &#8211; this virus affects the respiratory system and can escalate quickly so we need to monitor our patients’ oxygenation status.
So remember that prevention is key when it comes to the flu. Patients should cover their cough, avoid contact with lots of people, and use good hand hygiene. Remember the flu is spread by droplets so we will wear a mask and gloves and be sure to wipe down surfaces really well. Vaccinations should be given during flu season, especially to any vulnerable populations. And finally remember that most of our care is supportive while the virus runs its course. We encourage bedrest, fluids and good nutrition, and monitor their oxygenation.
The flu is so common you might even find yourself implementing these interventions on yourself or your roommate! Whatever you do, wash your hands! And, as always, happy nursing!
<div style="margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; width: 100%;background:white;border-radius:4px;padding:20px">
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 Want to learn more? View a suggested lesson<h4 style="margin: 10px;"><a href="https://cleveroad.wpengine.com/lesson/nursing-care-plan-for-influenza/" style="text-decoration:none;">Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Influenza</a></h4></center>
 </div>

Med-Surg | Respiratory

influenza-flu

Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Influenza (Flu)

In this course, you'll be able to learn different mnemonics that will help you to remember the need to know nursing information!

nursing-mnemonics-cram

Aortic Aneurysm – Management Nursing Mnemonic (CRAM)

nursing-mnemonics-pee-bads

Aortic Aneurysm – Thoracic signs Nursing Mnemonic (PEE BADS)

nursing-mnemonics-sad

Aortic Stenosis Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (SAD)

nursing-mnemonics-be-joan-of-arc

Bacterial Endocarditis – Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (Be Joan Of Arc)

nursing-mnemonics-toilet-paper-my-ass

Cardiac Valves Blood Flow Nursing Mnemonic (Toilet Paper my Ass)

nursing-mnemonics-the-5-ps

Circulatory Checks (5 P’s) Nursing Mnemonic (The 5 P’s)

nursing-mnemonics-i-have-a-right-to-camp-if-you-left-off-the-ac

Coronary Arteries – Location Nursing Mnemonic (I have a RIGHT to CAMP if you LEFT off the AC)

nursing-mnemonics-please-read-his-text

Cor Pulmonale – Signs & Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (Please Read His Text)

nursing-mnemonics-unload-fast

CHF Treatment Nursing Mnemonic (UNLOAD FAST)

nursing-mnemonics-the-4-ts

Cyanotic Defects Nursing Mnemonic (The 4 T’s)

nursing-mnemonics-chop

Heart Failure-Left-Sided Nursing Mnemonic (CHOP)

nursing-mnemonics-left-lung-right-rest

Heart Failure-Origin Nursing Mnemonic (Left – Lung|Right – Rest)

nursing-mnemonics-head

Heart Failure – Right Sided Nursing Mnemonic (HEAD)

nursing-mnemonics-ape-to-man

Heart Sounds Nursing Mnemonic (APE To Man – All People Enjoy Time Magazine)

nursing-mnemonics-the-4-cs

Hypertension- Complications Nursing Mnemonic (The 4 C’s)

nursing-mnemonics-diuretic

Hypertension – Nursing care Nursing Mnemonic (DIURETIC)

nursing-mnemonics-vak

Increase MAP Nursing Mnemonic (VAK)

nursing-mnemonics-hard-ass-mrs-msd

Murmur locations Nursing Mnemonic (hARD ASS MRS. MSD)

nursing-mnemonics-tv-sparc-cube

Shock – Signs and symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (TV SPARC CUBE)

nursing-mnemonics-his-leg-might-fall-off

Vascular Disease – Deep Vein Thrombosis Nursing Mnemonic (HIS Leg Might Fall off)

nursing-mnemonics-cold-hand

Vascular disease – Raynaud’s symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (COLD HAND)

nursing-mnemonics-triple-h-therapy

Vasospasm Therapy Nursing Mnemonic (Triple H Therapy)

Cardiovascular (Cardiac, CVD) Mnemonics

nursing-mnemonics-kult

Anion Gap Acidosis 1 Nursing Mnemonic (KULT)

nursing-mnemonics-mudpiles

Anion Gap Acidosis 2 Nursing Mnemonic (MUDPILES)

nursing-mnemonics-rome

Arterial Blood Gases Nursing Mnemonic (ROME)

nursing-mnemonics-universally-odd

Blood Type O Nursing Mnemonic (Universally Odd)

nursing-mnemonics-piso

Electrolytes – Location in Body Nursing Mnemonic (PISO)

nursing-mnemonics-groans-moans-bones-stones-overtones

Hypercalcemia – Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (GROANS, MOANS, BONES, STONES, OVERTONES)

nursing-mnemonics-machine

Hyperkalemia – Causes Nursing Mnemonic (MACHINE)

nursing-mnemonics-dry-hot-insulin-shot

Hyperglycemia Management Nursing Mnemonic (Dry and Hot – Insulin Shot)

nursing-mnemonics-aired

Hyperkalemia – Management Nursing Mnemonic (AIRED)

nursing-mnemonics-murder

Hyperkalemia – Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (Murder)

nursing-mnemonics-model

Hypernatremia – Causes Nursing Mnemonic (MODEL)

nursing-mnemonics-salt

Hypernatremia – Signs and Symptoms 3 Nursing Mnemonic (SALT)

nursing-mnemonics-cats

Hypocalcemia – Definition, Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (CATS)

nursing-mnemonics-tired

Hypoglycemia – Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (TIRED)

nursing-mnemonics-6-ls

Hypokalemia – Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (6 L’s)

nursing-mnemonics-salt-loss

Hyponatremia- Definition, Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (SALT LOSS)

nursing-mnemonics-all-dogs-eat-kibble

Vitamins – Fat Soluble Nursing Mnemonic (All Dogs Eat Kibble)

nursing-mnemonics-birth-control

Vitamins – Water Soluble Nursing Mnemonic (Birth Control)

Electrolytes & Labs Mnemonics

nursing-mnemonics-batted

ADLs (Activity of Daily Living) Nursing Mnemonic (BATTED)

nursing-mnemonics-beep

Bleeding Complications (Minor) Nursing Mnemonic (BEEP)

nursing-mnemonics-mr-dice-runs

Mnemonic for Organ Systems (MR DICE RUNS)

nursing-mnemonics-randi

Bleeding Precautions Nursing Mnemonic (RANDI)

nursing-mnemonics-coal

Canes Nursing Mnemonic (COAL)

nursing-mnemonics-clpn

Caring Licensed Practical Nurse Nursing Mnemonic (CLPN)

nursing-mnemonics-cho-cho-chon

CHO, CHO, CHON Nursing Mnemonic (CHO, CHO, CHON)

nursing-mnemonics-map-it

Community Health Tool Nursing Mnemonic (MAP-IT)

nursing-mnemonics-i-prepare

Environmental Health Assessment Nursing Mnemonic (I PREPARE)

nursing-mnemonics-fit

Exercise Guidelines Nursing Mnemonic (FIT)

nursing-mnemonics-pass

Fire Safety 1 Nursing Mnemonic (PASS)

nursing-mnemonics-race

Fire Safety 2 Nursing Mnemonic (RACE)

nursing-mnemonics-brow

Gluten Free Diet Nursing Mnemonic (BROW)

nursing-mnemonics-kings-eat-big-cakes

High Pressure Vent Alarms Nursing Mnemonic (Kings Eat Big Cakes)

nursing-mnemonics-scum

IADLS (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) Nursing Mnemonic (SCUM)

nursing-mnemonics-never-carry-dirty-socks-or-smelly-clothes

Levels of consciousness Nursing Mnemonic (Never Carry Dirty Socks Or Smelly Clothes)

nursing-mnemonics-cake-everyday

Low Pressure Vent Alarms Nursing Mnemonic (Cake Everyday)

nursing-mnemonics-opqrst

Pain Assessment Questions Nursing Mnemonic (OPQRST)

nursing-mnemonics-precede-proceed

Planning Community Health Interventions Nursing Mnemonic (PRECEDE-PROCEED)

nursing-mnemonics-pooper-scoop

Promotion and Evaluation of Normal Elimination Nursing Mnemonic (POOPER SCOOP)

nursing-mnemonics-perrla

Pupil Reactions Nursing Mnemonic (PERRLA)

nursing-mnemonics-madle

Safety Check Nursing Mnemonic (MADLE)

nursing-mnemonics-sbar

SBAR Communication Nursing Mnemonic (SBAR)

nursing-mnemonics-soapie

Steps In The Nursing Process 3 Nursing Mnemonic (SOAPIE)

nursing-mnemonics-fast

Stoke Assessments Nursing Mnemonic (FAST)

nursing-mnemonics-adpie-a-delicious-pie

Steps in the Nursing Process 1 Nursing Mnemonic (ADPIE)

nursing-mnemonics-aapie-an-apple-pie

Steps in the Nursing Process 2 Nursing Mnemonic (AAPIE)

nursing-mnemonics-abcdefghi

Trauma – Assessment (Emergency) Nursing Mnemonic (ABCDEFGHI)

nursing-mnemonics-traumatic

Trauma – Complications Nursing Mnemonic (TRAUMATIC)

nursing-mnemonics-ample

Trauma Surgery – Medical History Nursing Mnemonic (AMPLE)

nursing-mnemonics-start

Triage Nursing Mnemonic (START)

nursing-mnemonics-wandering-wilma-always-late

Walkers Nursing Mnemonic (Wandering Wilma Always Late)

old-carts

OLD CARTS Mnemonic (OLD CARTS)

Fundamentals & Nursing Process Mnemonics

nursing-mnemonics-anorexia

Anorexia – Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (ANOREXIA)

nursing-mnemonics-pains

Appendicitis – Assessment Nursing Mnemonic (PAINS)

nursing-mnemonics-bulimia

Bulimia – Signs and Symptoms 1 Nursing Mnemonic (BULIMIA)

nursing-mnemonics-washed

Bulimia – Signs and Symptoms 2 Nursing Mnemonic (WASHED)

nursing-mnemonics-christmas

Crohn’s Morphology and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (CHRISTMAS)

nursing-mnemonics-please-bring-happy-energy

Cirrhosis Complications Nursing Mnemonic (Please Bring Happy Energy)

nursing-mnemonics-bad-hits

Causes of Pancreatitis Nursing Mnemonic (BAD HITS)

nursing-mnemonics-brat

Diarrhea – Treatment Nursing Mnemonic (BRAT)

nursing-mnemonics-please-fix-his-abscess-soon

Diverticulitis Complications Nursing Mnemonic (Please Fix His Abscess SOon)

nursing-mnemonics-air-raid

Epiglottitis – Signs and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (AIR RAID)

nursing-mnemonics-reflux-is-probably-mean

GERD causes Nursing Mnemonic (Reflux Is Probably Mean)

nursing-mnemonics-her-belly-really-hurts-following-dinner

Hiatal Hernia Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (Her Belly Really Hurts Following Dinner)

nursing-mnemonics-5-fs

Risk Factors for Cholelithiasis Nursing Mnemonic (5-F’s)

nursing-mnemonics-the-3-cs

Tracheal Esophageal Fistula – Sign and Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (The 3 C’s)

Flu Symptoms Nursing Mnemonic (FACTS)

Included In This Lesson

Outline

FACTS

Description

View the FULL Outline

Nursing Mnemonics

Cardiovascular (Cardiac, CVD) Mnemonics

Electrolytes & Labs Mnemonics

Fundamentals & Nursing Process Mnemonics

Gastrointestinal (GI) Mnemonics

Hematology (Blood) & Oncology (Cancer) Mnemonics

Infections Mnemonics

Integumentary (Skin) Mnemonics

Metabolic & Endocrine Mnemonics

Musculoskeletal (Bones, Osteo) Mnemonics

Neurological Mnemonics

Mental Health Mnemonics

Obstetrics (OB) & Pediatrics (Peds) Mnemonics

Pharmacology (Medication) Mnemonics

Renal (Kidney, Nephrotic) Mnemonics

Respiratory System Mnemonics

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