Influenza for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)

Influenza

Definition/Etiology:

• A virus in humans ranges from conjunctivitis to flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, and myalgias. In some cases, pneumonia requiring hospitalization has been seen.

Pathophysiology:

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Clinical Presentation:

• Fever, chills, sore throat
• Chest discomfort
• Headache, myalgias
• Shortness of breath (SOB)
• vomiting/diarrhea
• Neurological changes

Objective:

• Cough, wheezing/crackles auscultated

Collaborative Management:

• CBC, serum chemistries, blood cultures, sputum gram stain/cultures, viral cultures
• ABGs
• Chest radiograph

Interventions:

• ABCs, O2
• IV
• CDC notification
• Antivirals – oseltamivir (Tamiflu), peramivir, zanamivir
  • Best within 24-48 of symptoms, be cautious d/t neuropsychiatric side effects
• Antipyretics
• Supportive care

Evaluation:

• Hemodynamic status
• Breath sounds and pulse oximetry
• Cardiac rate and rhythm
• Fever control

Linchpins: (Key Points)

• Preventable (largely) with vaccines
• No antibiotics, meds tend to be supportive/treat symptoms