NUM1102 Communication Skills for Nurses and Midwives Assignment Answer

Introduction

An important health concern, particularly during the colder months, is bronchiolitis, a typical viral respiratory infection that affects newborns and is frequently brought on by the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). According to Wilson et al. (2018), every year over 13,500 kids in Australia are hospitalized with bronchiolitis. Joe, a 21-month-old kid hospitalised with bronchiolitis brought on by RSV, is the focus of this case study. Joe displays the typical symptoms of bronchiolitis, which include fever, coughing, nasal secretions, lethargy, and problems with feeding. This essay will talk about Joe's evaluation results, stressing the significance of his vital signs, and clinical symptoms. Before Joe's operation, the pathophysiology, nurse management, evaluations, and health promotion that are necessary will also be covered.

Pathophysiology

The initial line of defense against invading germs is provided by the antibodies and lymphocytes produced by the tonsils (Marcano-Acuna et al., 2019). Inflammation and infection occur when bacterial or viral germs infiltrate the tonsil mucosal membrane (PCH, 2021c). According to Hibbert et al. (2019), adenovirus, coronavirus, rhinovirus, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and enteroviruses are the main causes of viral tonsillitis. According to Hibbert et al. (2019) and PCH (2021b), 15 to 30% of tonsillitis cases are caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. Dysphagia, pyrexia, and vomiting are frequent symptoms of tonsillitis, which Joe had when he arrived at the hospital (Pericleous et al., 2019). Although otitis media must be ruled out as a tonsillitis consequence, earaches are frequently transferred pain (The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne [RCH], 2018]).

Drooling is one way a PTA manifests; additional symptoms include odynophagia, severe throat pain, trismus, and muffled speech (PCH, 2021b). A PTA is described in the PCH guidelines (2021a) as a secondary diagnosis originating from infection of the webers glands, where pus and necrosis clog these salivary glands located in the peritonsillar area, impairing their role of restricting debris removal in the tonsillar region (Boon et al., 2018). Joe may drool because swallowing saliva is painful due to severe odynophagia (Pericleous et al., 2019). A PTA spreads into the prevertebral and parapharyngeal area as a result of ongoing inflammation, resulting in mild to moderate respiratory discomfort (Hibbert et al., 2019).
 

Nursing assessments and management

One of the fundamental nursing assessment frameworks used in pediatric care is the ABCDE approach, which stands for Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure. This systematic approach ensures a thorough evaluation of the child's condition, guiding nurses in identifying and prioritizing interventions (Jevon, 2019). In Joe's case, the airway assessment is crucial. Increased labour of breathing, nasal flaring, and intercostal retractions have already been noted in the preliminary observations, which strongly suggests serious respiratory distress. These symptoms suggest that Joe may be having difficulty maintaining a patent airway, thus prompt assistance is required to guarantee sufficient oxygenation and ventilation (Forster & Scaini-Clarke, 2022). Airway obstruction brought on by mucus plugging was discovered to be a frequent bronchiolitis problem in research by Nakamoto et al. (2020). Therefore, it is essential to do a careful airway examination and airway clearing procedures including suctioning and positioning.

Joe has an abnormally low saturation level of oxygen of 90% and a rate of respiration of 57 breaths per minute. In order to enhance Joe's oxygenation, immediate care is required based on these readings, which show that he is suffering from severe respiratory distress. Evidence from clinical practice recommendations, such as those made by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), highlights the significance of keeping an eye on a child's respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and indications of respiratory distress when they have bronchiolitis. According to the AAP recommendations, supplemental oxygen therapy should be considered for kids whose oxygen saturation is under 90% (Tosif & Duke, 2017). In addition, Joe's clinical manifestations of restlessness, intercostal retractions, and nasal flaring further indicate the necessity for measures to enhance his ability to breathe (Forster & Scaini-Clarke, 2022).

Joe's heart rate, blood pressure, and capillary refill time are all within normal limits, however, his capillary refill duration of 2-3 seconds raises the possibility that he may be dehydrated or have poor perfusion. In order to spot any indications of shock or insufficient tissue perfusion, assessing circulation is essential (McGuire et al., 2023). In order to avoid consequences, dehydration in pediatric patients must be rapidly identified and treated, according to a study by Rahim et al. (2023). It's crucial to treat Joe's hydration status with adequate fluid management, which might involve intravenous (IV) fluids if necessary, given his persistent feeding issues (Zieg et al., 2023).

Coupled with his poor nutrition, Joe's lethargic behaviour shows some level of impairment or altered mental condition. It is critical to evaluate a child's degree of attentiveness and consciousness since changes in the neurological state may be a sign of escalating breathing difficulties or other underlying problems. Continuous neurological evaluation in pediatric patients is essential, according to evidence-informed practice. It assists in identifying small alterations in mental state that can call for action (Forster & Scaini-Clarke, 2022). For instance, if Joe's neurological condition were to worsen, more severe respiratory support, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or a mechanical ventilator, might be required (Borgi et al., 2021). A suitable environment must be maintained, and the youngster must be dressed according to temperature, according to exposure assessment. This is crucial for young children like Joe, who may find it difficult to efficiently control their body temperature (Peran et al., 2020).

Besides the ABCDE framework, caring for young patients like Joe involves a holistic strategy that takes into account their emotional, psychological, and physical health (Hockenberry et al., 2021). Long-term illness could be emotionally taxing for Joe and his family. Family-centered care must be incorporated into nursing practice, according to Smith (2018). It's essential to interact with Molly, Joe's mother, in order to create a partnership for caring. The family's concerns can be addressed by open communication, education, and emotional support, which will enable them to actively engage in Joe's care. 

According to evidence, parenting a kid who has a serious disease can have serious psychological and emotional repercussions for parents and other caregivers (Gates et al., 2019). In pediatric care settings, healthcare professionals must meet the emotional needs of families, according to a study by Mattson et al. (2019). Additionally, because of Joe's feeding issues, promoting enough nutrition is crucial. To make sure he gets the nourishment he needs for recovery, evidence-based therapies like nasogastric tube (NGT) feeding or specific newborn feeding techniques may be required (Kenner & Boykova, 2021). To provide the best treatment while taking into account the child's and the family's overall well-being, regular reevaluation and open dialogue with the family are crucial (Hockenberry et al., 2021).

After implementing the initial nursing interventions, it's crucial to monitor Joe closely for any changes in his condition. The following potential scenarios should be considered:

If Joe responds positively to oxygen therapy, suctioning, and other interventions, you may observe a decrease in his respiratory distress. His respiratory rate may decrease, and oxygen saturation may improve. In such cases, ongoing monitoring and titration of interventions are essential to ensure continued improvement (Sweet et al., 2019). On the other hand, if Joe's respiratory distress worsens, despite initial interventions, it may be necessary to escalate care. This could involve initiating more advanced respiratory support, such as CPAP or high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), in consultation with the healthcare team. Frequent reassessment and prompt communication with the physician are vital in these situations (Panciatici et al., 2019).

Health promotion

Educating Joe and his family is pivotal for his care. I'd employ a comprehensive strategy, encompassing explanations of bronchiolitis, its management, and the significance of nutrition and hydration. Visual aids, written materials, and hands-on demonstrations would facilitate comprehension. Emotional support and referrals to support groups would address the family's psychological needs, recognizing the stress of caring for an ill child (Hockenberry & Wilson, 2018). Infection control measures would be stressed to prevent further transmission. Furthermore, I'd provide guidance on recognizing signs of deterioration and emphasize the importance of prompt medical attention (Baraldi et al., 2022). Real-time community resources such as pediatric home nursing, local support groups, and connections to home health agencies and early intervention programs ensure a well-rounded network of care and support for Joe and his family (Agarwal et al., 2019).

Conclusion

In summary, bronchiolitis in infants, often caused by RSV, presents a serious health concern. Effective nursing care involves understanding its pathophysiology, prioritizing vital signs, and adopting a holistic approach that considers emotional and psychosocial aspects. Ongoing monitoring, education, and community support are key elements in ensuring a child's recovery.

References

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