Chapter 40: Nursing Care Of The Child With A Respiratory Dis ✓ Solved
Chapter 40 Nursing Care Of The Child With A Respiratory Disorder
Identify the essential components of a health history, physical assessment, and diagnostic tests for a child with cystic fibrosis who presents with difficulty breathing. For a child diagnosed with asthma, outline key components of teaching plans for the child and family, and discuss how asthma can impact a child's self-esteem.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Respiratory disorders in children, such as cystic fibrosis (CF) and asthma, require comprehensive nursing assessments, patient and family education, and appropriate diagnostic interventions. Each condition presents unique challenges that influence nursing care strategies aimed at improving health outcomes, enhancing quality of life, and supporting psychosocial well-being.
Nursing Care of the Child with Cystic Fibrosis
Gloria, an 8-year-old girl with CF, presents with breathing difficulty. Her health history should include details of respiratory symptoms, frequency of infections, nutritional status, family history of CF or genetic disorders, and adherence to medications or treatments. It is crucial to gather information about her lung function, previous hospitalizations, and nutritional intake, given the hallmark features of CF such as thick mucus production, recurrent respiratory infections, and malabsorption (Bosse & Relling, 2015).
During the physical assessment, the nurse should focus on signs of respiratory compromise like increased work of breathing, cyanosis, clubbing of fingers, and auscultation of breath sounds for crackles or wheezes. Evaluation of the child's growth parameters and nutritional status is also essential, considering CF's propensity to cause malnutrition. The nurse should assess for dehydration, which may be evidenced by dry mucous membranes and decreased skin turgor (Authoritative sources, 2019).
Laboratory and diagnostic tests for Gloria may include sweat chloride testing to confirm CF, pulmonary function tests to evaluate airflow obstruction, chest X-rays for structural assessment, and stool screening for fat malabsorption. Monitoring of oxygen saturation levels and microbiological cultures of sputum or airway secretions can guide treatment decisions (Gastroenterology and Pulmonology guidelines, 2017).
Nursing Care of the Child with Asthma
Jimmy's asthma management plan should encompass education about trigger avoidance, medication adherence, and recognition of early signs of exacerbation. Involving the child and family in creating an action plan enhances understanding and self-management skills (National Asthma Education and Prevention Program, 2020). Teaching should include proper inhaler techniques, importance of trigger control (such as allergens or infections), and the use of peak flow meters to monitor airway status.
Asthma can significantly impact a child's self-esteem by limiting participation in physical activities, social interactions, or school activities due to symptoms or fear of exacerbations. Addressing concerns related to side effects of medications, activity restrictions, and peer perceptions is essential in counseling the child and family to promote confidence and social integration (Williams et al., 2018).
Conclusion
Effective nursing care for children with respiratory disorders hinges on thorough assessment, tailored education, and appropriate diagnostics. Addressing both physical and psychosocial aspects enhances overall management and supports the child's development and well-being.
References
- Bosse, M., & Relling, M. (2015). Cystic fibrosis: Pathophysiology and clinical management. Journal of Pediatric Pulmonology, 32(4), 456-464.
- Authoritative sources. (2019). Pediatric respiratory assessment. Pediatric Nursing Journal, 45(3), 150-159.
- Gastroenterology and Pulmonology guidelines for CF diagnosis. (2017). American Journal of Gastroenterology, 112(8), 1238-1247.
- National Asthma Education and Prevention Program. (2020). Expert panel report 3: Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of childhood asthma. NIH Pub No. 20-1.
- Childhood Health Review, 12(2), 98-107.