Influenza Flashcards
Infection
How is influenza described?
viral highly contagious upper respiratory disease involving the lungs
What are the 2 precautions used in influenza?
Standard & droplet precautions
What are the 5 symptoms of influenza?
- Sudden symptoms
- High fever
- Extreme fatigue (malaise)
- Dyspnea
- Severe cough
Which type of flu is the most common? Why?
Type A
Severe symptoms (Pandemic & Epidemic)
Which influenza causes type A?
Pandemics
What are the 5 complications of influenza?
- Inflammation
- Muscle pain
- Infection
- Exacerbation
- CNS problems
What are 2 problems seen in inflammation in influenza?
Sinusitis
Bronchitis
What are 2 problems seen in muscle pain in influenza?
Myositis
Myocarditis
What are 2 problems seen in infection in influenza?
otitis media
pneumonia
What are 2 problems seen in exacerbation in Influenza?
COPD
Asthma
What are 3 problems that can be seen in CNS problems in influenza?
Febrile seizures
Reyes syndrome
Gillian-Barre syndrome
What is the chest x-ray used for in a patient with influenza?
rule out pneumonia
In a total WBC count w/differential, What would we see in the patient with influenza?
Leukopenia
Neutrophilia
What is the #1 prevention for the flu?
getting the vaccine
What are the 4 H’s for nursing interventions in maintaining airway for the flu?
Hydration
Humidified air
Honey
Holding pillow
For the flu vaccine, what is the main difference between the IM and the intranasal vaccine?
IM- inactivated virus
IN- live virus
Who would we give the intranasal flu vaccine to?
under 50
What is the main teaching point we need to tell our patients about the flu vaccine?
Does not cause the Flu
When are antivirals most effective for flu patients?
24-48 hours after onset
What are the 2 symptoms seen with antivirals?
GI symptoms & hallucinations
What patients would we not give the intranasal (zanamivir) medication to?
avoid in people with breathing problems
What is the main side effect with antitussives?
drowsiness
What is the action of antivirals?
prevent replication of viral DNA
What is the action of antibiotics?
treats bacterial infections only; not viruses
