Discussion on Respiratory Infection

Discussion on Respiratory Infection

Is there any additional subjective or objective information you need for this client?
With a focus on respiratory disorders like asthma and bronchitis, it is critical to know
the patient's medical history. The doctor should also inquire about existing drugs and their
influence on the patient's symptoms. Ask about any symptoms like shortness of breath or
chest discomfort or headache, or toothache. If you suspect you have asthma as many
symptoms as possible will be present to assist in identifying the severity of an upper
respiratory tract infection. In addition, the doctor should look for any possible causes of the
patient's illness in the surroundings. Clinical decision-making will be aided by information
about comparable symptoms before and how they were treated.
Would you treat Mr. JD’s cold? Why or why not?
Since the common cold symptoms have continued for more than a week, I would
provide treatment to the patient. According to Gabaldon et al. (2018), viral rhinitis clears its
own. However, bacterial rhinosinusitis is a possible outcome. A bacterial infection is
indicated by the presence of green mucus and a low-grade fever. Considering the length of
time from the beginning of symptoms, it will be essential to treat the illness.
What would you prescribe, and for how many days?
Over five days, I would have my patients take 875/125 mg of amoxicillin-clavulanate
every 12 hours. Amoxicillin, the principal medication, is a penicillin that inhibits the
production of the mucopeptide cell wall (Evans et al., 2020). According to Wilson & Wilson
(2021) rhinitis sufferers rely on it as their go-to medication. Amoxicillin is protected from
bacterial degradation by the clavulanate component. Due to its capacity to withstand stomach
acid has a high bioavailability (Evans et al., 2020). There's also the fact that amoxicillin has a
half-life of almost one hour. It is metabolized in the liver, and most of it is excreted in the
urine in an unaltered state. Patients hypersensitive to beta-lactams or with a history of liver

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impairment due to the medicine should not use Augmentin (Katzung, 2017). Additional
cautions for Augmentin comprise anaphylaxis and super-infections caused by extended
medication use. Augmentin may be used with nasal decongestants to help alleviate
symptoms.
Would this treatment vary if Mr. JD was a 10-year-old 78 lb. child?
Their weight will determine a child's therapy if they are under 40 kg. The identical
amoxicillin-clavulanate regimen will be given to a 10-year-old child. However, a daily
dosage of 20-40 mg/kg is the proper calculation (Katzung, 2017). As with an adult dosage,
the pharmacokinetics are identical in children. However, there is a danger of acquiring
antibiotic resistance if they are overused. Decongestants, on the other hand, should not be
used by minors (Sharma, 2020).
What health maintenance or preventive education is important for this client based on your
choice of medication/treatment?
The nurse's role is to ensure the patient gets enough fluids and rest. These measures
alleviate the symptoms of congestion. It is also possible to learn about ways to improve sinus
drainages at home, such as air modification and pressure relief using warm compresses. The
patient should also be cautioned from flying, swimming, or diving until the irritation has
subsided (Hinkle & Cheever, 2018). Wilson & Wilson (2021) observed advise that those with
a history of smoking should be told not to smoke or use any other tobacco. For this reason,
patients must follow the prescribed treatment plan to avoid the development of antibiotic
resistance.

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References

Evans, J., Hannoodee, M., & Wittler, M. (2020). Amoxicillin Clavulanate. In StatPearls
[Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.
Gabaldón, N. G., Arnaiz, C. M., Cánovas, L. N., & Armas, J. J. (2018). Management of
Rhinosinusitis in Primary Care. Semergen, 44(7), 492-499.
Hinkle, J. L., & Cheever, K. H. (2018). Brunner and Suddarth’s textbook of medical-surgical
nursing. Wolters kluwer india Pvt Ltd.
Katzung, B. G. (2017). Basic and Clinical Pharmacology 14th Edition. McGraw Hill
Professional.
Sharma, S. (2020). “Over-the-counter decongestants for infants with common cold”- A
pediatrician’s dilemma! Indian Journal of Child Health, 7(6), 244-246.
Wilson, M., & Wilson, P. J. (2021). Acute Sinusitis. In Close Encounters of the Microbial
Kind