Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Corso di laurea in infermieristica - Sede di Modena
| Thesis Title | Nursing care for pediatric patients with bronchiolitis |
|---|---|
| Name | Putignano Debora |
| Supervisor(s) | Ottani Alessandra, Pane Carmela |
| Academic Year | |
| Thesis type | Non research thesis |
Abstract
Bronchiolitis is the most common Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (LRTI) during the first year of life. It is caused by a viral infection, most frequently by the Syncitial Respiratory Virus, which is transmitted by direct contact through the emission of small droplets; once the virus enters the infant's airways, it infects the terminal bronchioles. The role of the nurse in planning the care of the child with bronchiolitis is crucial and concerns several aspects such as maintaining the airways free from obstructions, improving the respiratory model, give relief from anxiety how to avoid possible complications. A short and targeted anamnesis on the state of hydration, respiratory distress and the presence of risk factors (e.g. age less than 2 months and presence of apnea or co-morbidity) is essential for the evaluation of the child with bronchiolitis. According to the international guidelines and the Italian Consensus, the recommended assistance to the pediatric patient with bronchiolitis include adequate oxygen administration, proper nutrition and hydration, and administration of the most appropriate therapy. Before discharge, the child must be clinically stable, able to take oral fluids by mouth and with an oxygen saturation greater than 92%, maintained for four hours in ambient air. It is also important to provide parents with information for the safety and care of the child at home. Finally, it is essential to train emergency room staff to create a support network and assist parents with the management of bronchiolitis as well as other pediatric diseases that can be addressed by the phone in the first instance.