Respiratory Disorders Learning Activities/Questions
The nurse is caring for a 12-year-old child is diagnosed with pneumonia. Which of the following nursing interventions should the nurse prepare to implement? Select all that apply.
Please select 3 correct answers
Administering antibiotics can treat the infection. Assessing respiratory function and oxygen saturation can ensure proper ventilation. Encouraging deep breathing and coughing exercises can improve clearance of secretions. Providing education on hand hygiene can prevent the spread of infection. There is no need to monitor H/H on this client unless the client has other problems.
The nurse is caring for a 6-year-old child who is diagnosed with asthma. Which of the following nursing interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care? Select all that apply.
Please select 4 correct answers
Administering bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids can manage symptoms associated with asthma. This is the primary pharmacological treatment of asthma. Assessing respiratory function can ensure proper ventilation. Providing education on environmental triggers can prevent exacerbation of symptoms. Encouraging regular physical activity can improve pulmonary function. Evaluating the child’s response to medication can ensure proper management of asthma symptoms. Remember, children with asthma can still exercise, if they take their albuterol inhaler prior to exercise.
A 10-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with with the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis exacerbation. Which of the following nursing interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care? (Select all that apply)
Please select 3 correct answers
Administering bronchodilators can manage symptoms associated with cystic fibrosis. Assessing respiratory function and oxygen saturation can ensure proper ventilation. Providing education on proper use of chest physiotherapy can improve clearance of mucus. Encouraging regular physical activity can improve pulmonary function. Monitoring nutritional status can ensure adequate caloric intake and provide the strength to do breathing exercises. Remember that clients with cystic fibrosis cannot absorb vitamins ADEK and need supplements. Very important: Cystic fibrosis clients should stay away from each other at least 6 feet because it places them at risk for cross-infection.
The clinic nurse is taking the history of an 8-year-old who complains of cough that worsens at night and early in the morning. The nurse recognizes that the condition that this client is most likely experiencing is which of the following?
Asthma is characterized by a cough that worsens at night or in the early morning due to nocturnal bronchoconstriction.
The nurse is preparing a teaching plan for a client with asthma. Which of the following should the nurse NOT include as an asthma trigger?
Humidity is actually good for asthma patients. It helps to relax airways.
Which of the following is the priority intervention for clients with cystic fibrosis?
Remember that the problem is thick mucus. The best therapy is to get rid of it with chest physiotherapy and huff coughing, a technique that moves mucus from the lungs. If mucus is not cleared, infection occurs and the child requires antibiotics. Bronchodilators are helpful, but again, the goal is to get rid of thick mucus.
The nurse is caring for a premature infant with respiratory distress syndrome. The nurse recognizes that the main cause of respiratory distress syndrome in this premature infant is which of the following?
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a common breathing disorder that affects premature infants born before 37 weeks of gestation. It occurs either due to a lack of surfactant or that the surfactant is not functioning correctly. Surfactant is a liquid that coats the inner surfaces of the lungs and is vital for normal breathing. Without enough surfactant, the lungs do not inflate properly, and breathing becomes difficult. Infants with RDS may experience rapid breathing, irregular breathing patterns, grunting noises, and retractions, which are inward movements of the chest while breathing. They may also have a blue tint or pale skin due to a lack of oxygen. Treatment for RDS includes providing the baby with supplemental oxygen and mechanical ventilation if needed. In some cases, medication may be given to help stimulate the production of surfactant in the baby's lungs. With proper treatment, most babies recover from RDS within a few weeks, but some may continue to have breathing problems for a longer period.
The nurse admits a child with a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and muffled voice. The physician diagnoses the child with epiglottitis. The nurse recognizes that the primary treatment for epiglottitis is which of the following?
Antibiotics are the primary treatment for epiglottitis to treat the underlying bacterial infection. Due to the possibility of airway closure, the primary safety intervention is to have the tracheostomy/intabation tray at the bedside. Corticosteroids may be given, but epiglottitis is a bacerial infection that must be treated with antibiotics.
What is the most common cause of bronchiolitis in infants?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system of infants and young children. The condition leads to inflammation and narrowing of the airways in the lungs. This results in breathing difficulties, which are the hallmark of the condition. Classic symptoms of RSV include fever, coughing, runny nose, and difficulty eating. In managing RSV, it is important to take a symptom-oriented approach that prioritizes relieving the symptoms and avoiding any complications. Such management may include interventions like oxygen therapy, optimizing fluid and nutrition intake, clearing airway mucus, administering medication, and educating patients and caregivers on proper hand hygiene and other preventive measures. Nurses consistently monitor the patient's condition for any negative changes and provide essential knowledge to ensure proper child care and management to parents or caregivers.
A 3-year-old male patient is admitted to the hospital with difficulty breathing and a cough. Upon assessment, the nurse notes shallow breaths with an increased respiratory rate, wheezing with audible inspiratory and expiratory sounds, and a productive cough. The medical history shows no known allergies, and the patient has never been diagnosed with asthma or any respiratory conditions. What is the most likely condition that this client is experiencing?
A 3-year-old male patient is admitted to the hospital with difficulty breathing and a cough. Upon assessment, the nurse notes shallow breaths with an increased respiratory rate, wheezing with audible inspiratory and expiratory sounds, and a productive cough. The medical history shows no known allergies, and the patient has never been diagnosed with asthma or any respiratory conditions. What is the priority intervention for this child?
Bronchiolitis is a common viral respiratory infection that can cause breathing difficulties in infants and young children. Oxygen therapy is crucial in treating respiratory distress in these patients. To prioritize, always use ABC. Airway, breathing, and circulation (and oxygenation is part of it).
Asthma
Chronic respiratory disease that causes inflammation and constriction of the airways, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
NCLEX priority intervention: ABC and Short acting beta agonist (Albuterol)
Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is a viral infection that affects the lower respiratory tract and is most common in infants and young children. RSV is the most common cause. Hospitalized if < 2 years.
NCLEX priority intervention: Airway, oxygen and cool mist tent
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system and can cause respiratory symptoms such as frequent lung infections and difficulty breathing.
NCLEX Priority: Airway clearance due to thick secretions
Croup
 Croup is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the larynx and trachea, leading to symptoms such as a barking cough, horseness and difficulty breathing.Â
NCLEX Priority Intervention: Humidified oxygen in a cool mist tent.
Important Respiratory Conditions
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Croup
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Bronchiolitis
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Asthma
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Cystic Fibrosis
Respiratory condition is caused by a virus that affects the upper airway and vocal cords, resulting in a barking cough and inspiratory stridor
Respiratory illness is caused by a viral infection that affects the lower respiratory tract and is marked by coughing, wheezing, and shallow breathing
Condition commonly affects children and causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, resulting in wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing
Respiratory condition is characterized by thick mucus production, frequent lung infections, and a shortened lifespan