S. T. is an 8-month old patient seen in the Emergency Department (E.D.) with the diagnoses of reoccurring pneumonia. On admission, the nurse practitioner notes that the patient has a respiratory rate (RR) of 52, heart rate (HR) of 168, and a temperature (T) of 102.3æ F. The child presents with substernal retractions, bilateral wheezes, and rhonchi. The mother states this is her son’s third admission since birth for pneumonia. In addition, she has noted that her son is not gaining weight like her older child had at 8 months.
How is this consistent with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis?
What tests could be ordered to confirm the diagnoses?
What nursing interventions could alleviate the respiratory distress?
What is the rationale behind the poor weight gain?
What type of educational goals would you develop before the child is discharged from the hospital?
Would you offer genetic counseling for the family?