Topic: Bronchitis
is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to
and from your lungs. People who have bronchitis often cough up thickened
mucus, which can be discolored. Bronchitis may be either acute or chronic.
Often developing from a cold or other respiratory infection, acute
bronchitis is very common. Chronic bronchitis, a more serious condition, is
a constant irritation or inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes,
often due to smoking.
Acute bronchitis, also called a chest cold, usually improves within a week
to 10 days without lasting effects, although the cough may linger for
weeks.
However, if you have repeated bouts of bronchitis, you may have chronic
bronchitis, which requires medical attention. Chronic bronchitis is one of
the conditions included in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Pathophysiology:
Inflammation
Bradykinin Histamine
Prostagladin
Capillary Permeability
Fluid/Cellular Exudation
Edema of mucous
membrane
Hypersecreation of
mucus
Persistent
Cough
Risk Factors:
Cigarette smoke. People who smoke or who live with a smoker
are at higher risk of both acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis.
Low resistance. This may result from another acute illness, such
as a cold, or from a chronic condition that compromises your immune
system. Older adults, infants and young children have greater
vulnerability to infection.
Exposure to irritants on the job. Your risk of developing
bronchitis is greater if you work around certain lung irritants, such as
grains or textiles, or are exposed to chemical fumes.
Gastric reflux. Repeated bouts of severe heartburn can irritate
your throat and make you more prone to developing bronchitis.
Signs and Symptoms:
Cough
Production of mucus (sputum), which can be clear, white,
yellowish-gray or green in color — rarely, it may be streaked
with blood
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Slight fever and chills
Chest discomfort
Nursing Diagnosis Nursing Intervention Rationale
Ineffective airway clearance Independent: 1. To maintain satisfactory
related to excessive, thickened 1. Administer humidified O2 by oxygenation.
mucous secretions. tent, facemask or cannula.
2. To detect early or
2. Closely monitor O2 sat and impending hypoxia.
ABG via pulse oximetry.
3. Closely monitor percentage 3. High levels may depress
of O2 delivered. respirations.
4. Establish IV infusion.
1. For administration of meds
and hydration.
5. Position patient high fowlers, 5. This position is more
provide overbed table pillows on comfortable for a child.
which to lean. Promotes lung expansion.
6. Closely monitor vital signs 6. To promote maximum
before, during and after drug efficacy and minimal side
administration. effects.
7. Interview the parent to 7. To avoid possible overdose.
determine medications given
before admission.
8. Have emergency equipment 8. To prevent delay in tx.
and medications readily
available.
Dependent:
1. Administer aerosolized 1. To relieve bronchospasm.
bronchodilators and either
oral/IV costicosteroids as
prescribed
