Pneumonia Nursing Care Plan Interventions Question

Pneumonia Nursing Care Plan Interventions Question

Arrange the nursing actions chronologically to prioritize care for an elderly client with pneumonia:

1. Oxygen per nasal cannula at 4 L/min
2. Normal saline (NS) solution at 125 mL/hr
3. Blood cultures x 2 for temperature >102 F (38.9 C)
4. Levofloxacin 750 mg intravenous (IV) every 24 hours
5. Teaching incentive spirometer use

Explanation

1. Oxygen per nasal cannula at 4 L/min: Given the client’s respiratory distress indicated by a high respiratory rate (30/min) and dusky nail beds, oxygen administration is the priority to improve oxygenation and relieve respiratory distress.
2. Normal saline (NS) solution at 125 mL/hr: Elderly clients with pneumonia often present with dehydration, as evidenced by dry mucous membranes and low blood pressure. Initiation of IV fluids is crucial to prevent further complications, thin secretions, and facilitate expectoration of mucus.
3. Blood cultures x 2 for temperature >102 F (38.9 C): Drawing blood cultures before antibiotic administration is essential to identify the causative pathogen and ensure appropriate antibiotic therapy. Drawing cultures from two different venipuncture sites helps rule out contaminants.
4. Levofloxacin 750 mg IV every 24 hours: Antibiotic therapy, such as Levofloxacin, is crucial for treating pneumonia. Administering antibiotics promptly after diagnosis and culture collection is essential to address the infection effectively.
5. Teaching incentive spirometer use: Incentive spirometry should be initiated after the initiation of antibiotics to promote alveolar expansion, facilitate secretion removal, and prevent atelectasis.

By prioritizing nursing actions based on the client’s current health status, acuity level, and desired outcomes, nurses can ensure effective management of pneumonia and optimize patient outcomes.

How to Tackle the Pneumonia Nursing Care Plan Interventions Question

Arrange the nursing actions chronologically to prioritize care for an elderly client with pneumonia”:

1. Identify the Goal

The goal is to prioritize the nursing actions in the correct order for the best possible care of an elderly client with pneumonia.

2. Analyze Each Action

Consider the purpose and urgency of each intervention:

• Blood cultures: Crucial for identifying the infection source to guide antibiotic selection. Needs to happen before antibiotics are given.
• Oxygen therapy: Addresses immediate breathing problems and should be provided quickly.
• Antibiotics: Essential to fight the infection, but ideally given after blood cultures are drawn.
• IV fluids: Combats dehydration and helps with mucus clearance, but not as urgent as the above.
• Incentive spirometer: Prevents complications but can be initiated after antibiotics begin.

3. Apply the Analysis

• Blood cultures are the top priority to diagnose the infection accurately.
• Oxygen comes next to address the critical breathing issue.
• Antibiotics follow to target the infection but after cultures are drawn.
• Fluids and incentive spirometry address supportive care and prevention of complications.

4. Structure Your Answer

List the nursing actions in the prioritized order, explaining the rationale behind each step.

Example Answer:

1. Blood cultures x 2: This is the first step to identify the bacteria causing the pneumonia and ensure appropriate antibiotic selection.
2. Oxygen per nasal cannula at 4 L/min: Due to the client’s respiratory distress, providing oxygen is crucial to improve oxygenation and alleviate discomfort.
3. Levofloxacin 750 mg IV every 24 hours: While antibiotics are essential, obtaining blood cultures first allows for targeted treatment.
4. Normal saline (NS) solution at 125 mL/hr: Hydration helps with mucus clearance, but addressing breathing problems and identifying the infection come first.
5. Teaching incentive spirometer use: Once antibiotics start fighting the infection, using an incentive spirometer can be initiated to prevent complications.