Common cold

Nursing Considerations-Nursing Diagnoses

Acute pain Fatigue Hyperthermia Ineffective airway clearance Ineffective breathing pattern Risk for infection

Overview

Acute, usually afebrile viral infection that causes inflammation of the upper respiratory tract Transmission through airborne respiratory droplets or through direct contact with contaminated objects, including hands Accounts for 30% to 50% of time lost from work by adults Communicable for 2 to 3 days after onset of symptoms Usually benign and self-limiting

Nursing Considerations-Monitoring

Body temperature Respiratory status Nasal discharge color and characteristics Cough Response to treatment Adverse effects of medication Complications

Assessment-Physical Findings

Copious nasal discharge that often irritates the nose Increased erythema of nasal and pharyngeal mucous membranes Nasal quality to voice Excoriated skin around nose

Assessment-History

Exposure to persons with the common cold Sore throat Fatigue Malaise Myalgia Fever Nasal stuffiness Sneezing Cough Facial or ear pressure

Nursing Considerations-Nursing Interventions

Give prescribed drugs. Administer topical agents via nasal spray Suggest the use of a lubricant on nostrils to help decrease irritation. Encourage the use of sugarless hard candy, cough drops, or lozenges to reduce throat irritation. Encourage the use of a warm bath or heating pad to help reduce aches and pains. Suggest use of a hot or cold steam vaporizer or humidifier to relieve nasal congestion. Encourage rest during acute phase and increased fluid intake if not contraindicated Urge use of respiratory hygiene measures and handwashing to reduce the risk of transmission.

Nursing Considerations-Associated Nursing Procedures

Hand hygiene Heat application Hyperthermia-hypothermia blanket use Nasal spray instillation Oral drug administration Pain management Respiration assessment Temperature assessment

Treatment-Diet

Increased fluid intake

Overview-Causes

More than 200 viruses, including rhinoviruses, influenzavirus types A, B, C, parainfluenza viruses, respiratory syncytial viruses coronaviruses, myxoviruses, adenoviruses, coxsackieviruses, and echoviruses Mycoplasma Viral infection of the upper respiratory tract passages and consequent mucous membrane inflammation responsible for 90% of cases

Patient Teaching-Discharge Planning

Refer the patient for medical care if a high fever persists, level of consciousness changes, or significant respiratory symptoms develop.

Treatment-Activity

Rest periods, as needed

Overview-Complications

Secondary bacterial infection, causing sinusitis, otitis media, pharyngitis, or lower respiratory tract infection

Overview-Incidence

The cold is the most common infectious disease. In temperate climates, colds occur more often in the colder months.

Overview-Pathophysiology

The virus infects cells by attaching to specific receptors. Infiltration with neutrophils, lymphocytes, plasma cells, and eosinophils occurs. Mucus-secreting glands become hyperactive and nasal turbinates become engorged. (See What happens in the common cold.)

Treatment-Medications

Topical decongestants, such as oxymetazoline hydrochloride via spray or drops Topical anticholinergics, such as ipratropium bromide Cromolyn sodium intranasally Oral decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine hydrochloride Antihistamines, such as chlorpheniramine maleate and diphenhydrAMINE hydrochloride Expectorants, such as guaifenesin Mouthwashes, gargles, and lozenges Normal saline nasal sprays Analgesics or antipyretics, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen Zinc, echinacea, and vitamin C

Diagnostic Test Results

Treatment-General Use of humidified inspired air Prevention of chilling Symptomatic relief measures

Nursing Considerations-Expected Outcomes

express feeling of increased comfort report increased energy remain afebrile expectorate sputum effectively and maintain a patent airway maintain effective breathing pattern and express feelings of comfort in maintaining air exchange experience no further signs or symptoms of infection.

Patient Teaching-General

preventative measures to reduce the risk for infection, including frequent handwashing; avoiding touching one's face, nose, or eyes with contaminated hands; avoiding exposure to other infected persons; and proper disposal of tissues prescribed medications, including the need to use topical sprays only for the time prescribed to avoid rebound nasal congestion use of over-the-counter saline nasal spray to help moisten nasal passage and loosen secretions use of over-the-counter analgesics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and pain relief proper respiratory hygiene measures use of a cool or warm mist humidifier nasal skin care measures need for rest and fluids importance of discontinuing the use of tobacco and alcohol signs and symptoms of complications such as bacterial infection (change in color of nasal discharge, fever greater than 101.4° F [38.6° C], productive cough) and need to contact a practitioner if any occur that most cases resolve in approximately 6 to 10 days.