INFLUENZA

Influenza involves inflammation and infection of the major airways. It is caused by the
orthomyxovirus influenza type A, B, or C.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

Influenza virus attachment to the

cell membrane

Influenza virus replication, Serene Protease inhibitors

production of cytokines, granzymes
and cytotoxic factors

Airway inflammation Alveolitis

Damage of airway Airways hyperactivity Damage of alveolar

epithelial cells and and narrowing epithelial cells and
endothelial cells endothelial cells

Exacerbation of bronchial asthma

and COPD Pneumonias or ARDS
 PRIORITIZED NURSING PROBLEM FOR INFLUENZA
Nursing Diagnosis Nursing Intervention
Independent
1. Monitor core temperature  Temperature of 38.9-41 C
2. Monitor fluid intake and 
urine output. If the patient is
unconscious, central venous
pressure or pulmonary
artery pressure should be
measured to monitor fluid
status.
3. Adjust and monitor 
environmental factors like
room temperature and bed
linens as indicated.
4. Eliminate excess clothing 
and covers.
5. Evaporative cooling: cool 
with a tepid bath; do not use
alcohol
Dependent
 Antipyretic
1. Give antipyretic
medications as prescribed
Rationale
suggest acute infectious
disease process
Fluid resuscitation may be
required to correct
dehydration. The patient who
is significantly dehydrated is
no longer able to sweat,
which is necessary for
evaporative cooling.
Room temperature may be
accustomed to near normal
body temperature and
blankets and linens may be
adjusted as indicated to
regulate temperature of the
patient.
Exposing skin to room air
decreases warmth and
increases evaporative
cooling.
Alcohol cools the skin too
rapidly, causing shivering.
medications
lower body temperature by
blocking the synthesis of
prostaglandins that act in the
hypothalamus.
Interdependent

Reference: (NANDA Nurse’s

Pocket Guide Edition 10
Marilynn E. Doenges, Mary
Frances Moorhouse, Alice C.
Murr)