Question

A_What is the priority assessment that must be completed on a patient with a lower respiratory infection? Why?
B_What teaching would you provide a patient with a lower respiratory infection?
C_What medications are used for lower respiratory infections

Answer 1

Answer A.) Assessment of patient with Lower respiratory tract infection-

First of all we will look for symptoms-

The most common symptom is productive cough with green, white or yellow sputum.

Anterior chest pain increased by cough.

Shortness of breath.

Low grade fever

Chest tightness

Wheezing.

On examination-

Tenderness on chest may be present.

Wheezing is present.

Decreased vocal fremitus due to fluid accumulation in alveoli.

Decreased breath sounds due to fluid accumulation.

In lab-

We will go for-

CRP

X-ray chest

Sputum.

Answer B.) Teaching for patient with LRTI-

Avoid dairy product if they increase sputum production.

Use pursed lip breathing at intervals and at the time of dyspnea to decrease rate and depth of breathing and improve Respiratory muscle coordination.

Be in most comfortable position during dyspnea.

Encourage frequent small meals to patient if patient is dyspneic as increase in abdominal pressure will increase pressure on diaphragm and further causes dyspnea.

Relaxation exercise to reduce stress and tension.

Answer C.) Medications for LRTI-

Since most LRTIs are viral, medications are generally not used in treatment. However, certain over-the-counter medicines may provide some relief from symptoms:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin can relieve pain and fever
• Acetaminophen can also provide relief from pain and fever
• Using a bronchodilator inhaler can help wheezing and shortness of breath.
• If an LRTI is bacterial, antibiotics may be prescribed, depending on how serious the infection is and your overall health. These treat the bacterial cause of the infection.
• Antibiotics commonly used - Amoxyclav and other Beta lactamase inhibitors.

Other Treatments

In the case of serious LRTIs, treatment in a hospital may be necessary. Treatments for LRTIs in the hospital may include:

• Intravenous fluids
• Humidified oxygen
• Ventilation support, i.e., high flow oxygen, CPAP, BiPAP or mechanical ventilation, if severe respiratory insufficiency develops.