N213: Health Differences Across the Life Span 3

N213: Health Differences Across the Lifespan 3 Study Guide ©2017 Achieve Test Prep Page 25 of 204 Demonstrates relief of symptoms and fever • Demonstrates adequate feeding to maintain nutritional status • Parents verbalize understanding of transmission precautions Haemophilus Influenza This infection is caused by the haemophilus influenza serotype b bacteria and infects infants and young children, elderly, the immune-compromised, and teenagers. It is spread by an infected person coughing or sneezing and can affect many of the body’s organ systems. It is the leading cause of meningitis in adolescents. Cases of haemophilus influenza are decreasing due to vaccinations, but are still prevalent in under-immunized populations. Once infected with these bacteria, they can quickly reach the blood stream and travel to the spinal cord (meningitis), the lungs (pneumonia), the joints (septic arthritis), the ears (otitis media), and the heart (pericarditis). The highest risk group for severe complications is elderly people over the age of 65 due to pneumonia. The next highest risk group for complications are teenagers due to meningitis. Nurses should stress the importance of children completing this vaccination series of four doses beginning at two months of age and ending at 12 to 15 months of age. Parents of babies and young children should know that this is still a very prevalent infection and the series must be completed for proper immunity. Signs and symptoms of haemophilus influenza: • Fever • Headache • Neck Pain • Nuchal rigidity • Seizures (possible) • Nausea • Vomiting • Positive Kernigs signs • Photophobia • Wide pulse pressure • Altered level of consciousness • Bradycardia • Crackles (pneumonia) • Dyspnea (pneumonia) • Ear pain (otitis media) • Chest pain (pericarditis) Nursing assessment for haemophilus influenza : • Head to toe general assessment o Assess breath sounds o Assess for Kernig’s sign and nuchal rigidity o Temperature o Assess pain level Expected outcomes for RSV: •