N213: Health Differences Across the Life Span 3

N213: Health Differences Across the Lifespan 3 Study Guide H1N1 can be spread by respiratory contact from one to seven days before a person develops symptoms. It is more severe in people who are immune-compromised or pregnant. Because this is a new strain of flu, the symptoms can be far more severe than the regular strains of flu. Nurses may notice that county health departments in the area hold annual “swine flu” immunization clinics for the community or schools. During an outbreak, nurses may be called to help give shots to children in schools, elderly in nursing homes, and to certain populations of parents with small children. Signs and symptoms of swine flu/novel (H1N1): • Fever • Body aches • Headache • Chills • Fatigue • Sore throat • Cough • Diarrhea • Vomiting • Stuffy nose Nursing assessment for swine flu/novel (H1N1): • Head to toe general assessment o Temperature o Breath sounds o Assess for gastrointestinal complaints o Look at throat for redness and pharyngitis o Check pain levels; head and body aches • Evaluate laboratory data o H1N1 reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction testing (rRT-PCR) o Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Testing (RIDT) can give results of influenza the same day o Chest x-ray may be performed for severe cough Nursing interventions for swine flu/novel (H1N1): • Monitor temperature frequently • Check breath sounds often • Offer soft diet and small, frequent meals • Encourage increased fluid intake, cold foods, and clear liquids if GI complaints are present • Give antipyretics for fever and pain • Give thorough teaching on influenza vaccinations and the differences between the H1N1 vaccine and influenza vaccine ©2017 Achieve Test Prep Page 27 of 204