Running head: CYSTIC FIBROSIS TEACHING PLAN 1
CYSTIC FIBROSIS TEACHING PLAN 3
Cystic Fibrosis Teaching Plan
Katherine Ruiz
West Coast University
Introduction
Cystic Fibrosis is a respiratory disorder that results from inheriting a mutated gene. It is characterized by an overproduction of mucus, which leads to obstruction of other organs like the pancreas, liver, and small intestine (Henry et al., 2016). In the lungs, the mucus clogs the airway and traps bacteria which may lead to infection, sometimes even respiratory failure. Minimizing contact with germs and maintaining proper hygiene are important when it comes to those with cystic fibrosis.
Information on postpartum depression is beneficial to all cultures, races, and age groups. If there is a language barrier it is important to get a certified translator from the hospital and include all of the family in the teaching. Ways to achieve a successful teaching is to have the patient and some family members educate or recite all the information you have explained. Cystic fibrosis is autosomal recessive meaning both parents must have the trait and one out of four children is the one to get the disease.
Cystic fibrosis affects multiple organs, but it mainly affects the lungs. Respiratory findings include wheezing, ronchi, dry nonproductive cough, dyspnea, and in severe cases the patient can be cyanotic, have a barrel-shaped chest, and clubbing of fingernails (Henry et al., 2016). Gastrointestinal findings include steatorrhea, failure to gain weight or weight loss, delayed growth patterns, distended abdomen and thin extremities (Henry et al., 2016). Sweat, tears and saliva have an excessively high content of sodium and chloride (Henry et al., 2016).
There are a series of diagnostic procedures that are done to confirm the diagnosis. DNA testing is done to isolate the mutation. A chest x-ray may be ordered and can indicate diffuse atelectasis and obstructive emphysema (Henry et al., 2016). Stool analysis to detect the presence of fat and enzymes. The main diagnostic procedure done is the sweat chloride test (Henry et al., 2016). A device that produces electrical current to stimulate sweat production and sweat is collected from two different sites. If chloride is greater than 40 mEq/L for infants less than 3 months and greater than 60 mEq/L for all others and a sodium content greater than 90 mEq/L then the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis is confirmed (Henry et al., 2016).
Nursing Diagnosis I
Impaired gas exchange related to airway and alveoli inflammation as evidence by dry nonproductive cough and dyspnea. As a nurse, constant monitoring of respiratory and heart rate is eminent to notice any severe changes. It is important for the patient to get adequate rest between activities in order to avoid fatigue. Keeping the patient in semi-fowlers position promotes lung expansion and decreases airway collapse, dyspnea, and breath work. Oxygen therapy should be given as indicate to maintain adequate oxygenation and decrease the work of breathing to increase the level of comfort. When giving oxygen, it should be avoided in high concentrations to avoid further complications.
Nursing Diagnosis II
Imbalanced nutrition related to increased caloric needs as evidence by low fat-soluble vitamin levels. For gastrointestinal management of a patient with cystic fibrosis, a well-balanced diet high in protein and calories is best. An increase in oral fluid intake helps thin out secretions. The liver is also affected by this condition so vitamin supplements like multivitamins and A, D, E, and K are given. As a nurse daily weights are one of the priorities to decrease chances of malnutrition and a gain in weight decreases the chances of respiratory exacerbations. Pancreatic enzymes must be given within 30 minutes of every meal and snack in order to adequately digest the food containing fat or protein.
Conclusion
This teaching can be beneficial to anyone who knows they have the recessive trait and are trying to conceive or to parents with a child that has cystic fibrosis. Untreated cystic fibrosis can lead to infection, respiratory failure, intestinal obstruction and diabetes mellitus (Henry et al., 2016). As a nurse, education to the parents is important in order to properly treat their child and relieve as much discomfort as possible.
References
Henry, N. J., McMichael, M., Johnson, J., DiStasi, A., Elkins, C. B., Holman, H. C., . . . Barlow, M. S. (2016). RN nursing care of children: Review module. Leawood, KS: Assessment Technologies Institute.
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