Explanation of

Disease
Influenza (flu) is an acute,
highly contagious viral
respiratory infection caused
by one of three types of
myxovirus influenza. The
incubation period is 24 to 48
hours. Symptoms appear
approximately 72 hours after
contact with the virus, and
the infected person remains
contagious for 3 days.
Following respiratory
transmission from one
infected person to another
from up to 6 feet away, the
virus attaches to and
penetrates respiratory
epithelial cells in the trachea
and bronchi. Viral replication
occurs, which results in the
destruction of the host cells.
Factors that may increase risk
for developing influenza or
complications include: age,
occupation, living conditions,
a weaken immune system,
chronic illness and pregnancy.
According to the CDCs Flu
View, a weekly surveillance
report, as of February 21,
2015, influenza activity has
continued to decrease, but
remains elevated in the

NCLEX Questions
After exposure, which of the following
clients is most at risk for developing
influenza?
o

Congestive heart failure

Peptic ulcer disease

Deep vein thrombosis

Recent cholecysetectomy

A 14-year old male is to be admitted to

the unit due to high fever related to
influenza. With whom among the
following clients should he be placed
together in the room?
o
o
o
o

The 12 year old male client who

had undergone appendectomy
The 12 year old female client
with the flu
The 12 year old boy with the flu
The 12 year old boy with
leukemia

References
(2015). 2014-2015 influenza season
week 7
ending February 21,
2015. FluView A
Weekly
Surveillence Report Prepared by
the Influenza Division. Centers
for
Disease Control and Prevention
<http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/pdf/E
xternal_F1507.pdf>
Ackley, Betty J., Ladwig, Gail B. (2014)
Mosbys
Guide to Nursing
Diagnosis. Maryland
Heights,
Missouri: Elsevier.

Influenza

Clinical Manifestations & Potential

Classic
influenza disease is characterized by the abrupt onset of fever, myalgia, sore throat, nonproductive cough, and
Complications

headache. The fever is usually 101102F, and accompanied by prostration. Myalgias mainly affect the back muscles. Cough
is believed to be a result of tracheal epithelial destruction. Additional symptoms may include rhinorrhea (runny nose),
substernal chest burning and ocular symptoms (e.g., eye pain and sensitivity to light). Complications of influenza include
pneumonia, myositis, exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and Reye's syndrome. In rare cases, influenza
can lead to encephalitis, transverse myelitis, myocarditis, or pericarditis. Persons of any age with certain underlying medical
conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, those who have had a stroke, pregnant women, those with HIV or AIDS,
people who have cancer are also at higher risk for complications.

Lifespan & Cultural Nursing Diagnoses

Considerations
The risk for complications
and hospitalizations from
influenza are higher among
persons 65 years of age
and older and young
children. Children and older
adults are more susceptible
to influenza because of
their weaken immune
systems. Influenza occurs
world wide and is most
common during winter
months.

Pain may be related to inflammation

and effects of circulating toxins,
possibly evidenced by verbal
reports, distraction behaviors, and
narrowed focus.
Risk for deficient fluid volume. Risk
factors may include excessive
gastric losses, hypermetabolic state
and altered intake.
Hyperthermia may be related to
effects of circulating toxins and
dehydration, possibly evidenced by
increased body temperature,
warm/flushed skin, and tachycardia.
Risk for ineffective Breathing. Risk
factors may include response to
infectious process, decreased

Significance to
Nursing
For more than three decades, the
CDC has recommended the
annual flu vaccines for
healthcare workers, even those
who do not directly work with
patients. By doing so, nursing
staff and the other hospital
employees are fulfilling their
ethical responsibilities as role
models to the public in disease
prevention. When treating a
patient diagnosed with influenza,
using proper personal protective
equipment such as masks for
droplet precautions, will protect
the nurse from infection. Also,
health care providers who get
diagnosed with influenza are
required to stay home a certain
number of days after their fever
returns to normal.An increase in