N213: Health Differences Across the Life Span 3

N213: Health Differences Across the Lifespan 3 Study Guide o Neurontin: This can help to decrease nerve pain in shingles. Side effects include constipation, slurred speech, dizziness, and tremors. o Corticosteroids: This helps relieve inflammation. Side effects include decreased immune system response, fluid gain, hunger, and increased blood pressure. o Antihistamines: These are given to relieve itching and skin reaction to the virus. o Topical itch relief creams: These are given to reduce itching and soothe pruritis. • Address pain issues and give pain medication per MD order Expected outcomes for varicella/shingles: • Verbalizes relief of symptoms and fever • Verbalizes relief of pain • Demonstrates ability to care for skin and avoid itching • Verbalizes understanding of immunizations Respiratory Syncytial Virus This virus manifests itself as only mild to moderate cold-like symptoms in people over the age of five years, but is very severe in babies under six months of age. It can cause moderate to severe illness in babies one year of age or less and, rarely, moderate to severe illness in children under five years of age. The virus causes the tiny airways to become swollen with inflammation and can cause complications. It is most prevalent in the winter and spring months. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is spread by respiratory droplets that travel through the mouth and nose after an infected person sneezes or coughs. The virus can also live on surfaces for up to a few hours and can be transmitted by touch. Those with the most risk of complications are premature infants, babies and children with weak immune systems, and older adults with lung disease. The virus is usually mild in healthy people, but in those at risk severe complications can develop. These include pneumonia, respiratory distress, ear infections, and asthma. Some cases are severe enough to require hospitalization. Signs and symptoms of RSV for infants: • Fever • Respiratory distress/retractions/wheezes/rhonchi • Cough • Otitis media • Pleural effusion • Runny nose Signs and symptoms of RSV for adults and children: • Fever • Cough/wheezing • Runny or stuffy nose • Fatigue ©2017 Achieve Test Prep Page 23 of 204