Nursing 213

N213: Health Differences Across the Lifespan 3 Study Guide

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) This is a bacterial respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. The infection starts with common cold-like symptoms and develops into a severe cough that makes a “whooping” sound when trying to recover the breath. It results in uncontrollable coughing fits and can be very severe and dangerous in infants and small children. The first, or catarrhal stage, lasts about two weeks and consists of a runny nose, congestion, slight cough, and fever. It then progresses to the paroxysmal stage where parents will notice the whooping cough episodes. This stage will last up to four weeks, or in some cases, even longer. The recovery phase is the convalescent stage and it can take months to completely recover from this infection. The whooping cough has even been known to return in the future with subsequent infections. This can all be prevented with the DTaP vaccine given on time and boosters as directed by the immunization schedule. Pertussis can have severe complications in infants, young children, and the immune- compromised. Complications of pertussis range from pneumonia, respiratory distress, lung collapse (atelectasis), pneumothorax, convulsions, middle ear infections, sleep apnea, and death. Nurses should teach parents of young children that this infection can be prevented with immunizations and that the disease is re-emerging in recent years. The CDC has now recommended updated immunizations and booster shots for older children 11 to 12 years of age. Signs and symptoms of pertussis (whooping cough): • Cough, severe at times • Rhinorrhea (runny nose) • Fever • Dyspnea • Cyanosis • Lacrimation (watery eyes) • Fatigue from coughing • Syncope • Vomiting • Diarrhea Nursing assessment for pertussis (whooping cough): • Head to toe general assessment o Check breath sounds o Check oxygen saturation o Check temperature o Check skin color for cyanosis o Inquire about immunizations, possible exposure, and duration of symptoms • Review laboratory and radiology reports o CBC with differential o Sputum cultures o Chest x-ray

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