Human Respiratory Pathogens Nursing Assignment 2022

Running head: NURSING ASSIGNMENT
NURSING ASSIGNMENT
Name of the student:
Name of the university:
Author note

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Introduction:
Influenza viruses are considered as the significant human respiratory pathogens that
affected 1 million people every year (Grant et al., 2018). Approximately 52000 cases of flu
were reported in 2018 where 1137 deaths were observed (Sullivan et al., 2017). Hence, influenza
has been chosen for this assignment for illustrating infection control precautions and nursing
care. The personal protective equipment and proper nursing care with the involvement of the
interdisciplinary team are essential for reducing the high prevalence of communicable disease
like influenza. The case study represents flu of jimmy Haledon, a 68-year-old resident of Sunset
Residential Aged Care Facility. This paper will illustrate infection control precaution,
Assessment and Nursing Care and Interdisciplinary team in following paragraphs.
Discuss Influenza:
Influenza viruses are the members of the family Orthomyxoviridae. Considering the
characteristics of the structure of the influenza virus, it is an enveloped virus where the genome
of the virus consists of segmented negative-sense single-strand RNA segments (Fielding et al.,
2016). There are four genera of this family whereas only genera A and B are clinically relevant
for humans as these two viruses have the potential virulence factor for infecting disease (Scott et
al, 2016). Colman (2018), highlighted that the eight genome segments present influenza A and B
viruses are loosely encapsulated by the nucleoprotein. The literature highlighted that two viral
protein such as haemagglutinin and neuraminidase are responsible virulence of influenza.
Haemagglutinin (BE) is an antigenic glycoprotein present in the surface of the influenza viruses.
It facilitates the binding of the virus with the host cell (Nachbagauer et al., 2016). On the other
hand, neuraminidase present on the surface of influenza responsible for the release of newly

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replicated viral cells. It cleaves the sialic acid of the host cell during infection. A can be divided
into distinct serotype based on their antigenic response to the cell.
Mode of transmission and risk in older adults:
People with the flu can spread the infection up to others within their 6feet away.
Influenza virus can be transmitted from infected to a healthy person in three ways :(1) by direct
contact with infected individuals; (2) direct contact with contaminated things such as (called
fomites, doorknobs); and (3)inhalation of virus-containing aerosol. These droplets containing flu
can land in the mouths as noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs
and infect the respiratory tract and patient experience flu-like symptoms such as productive
cough lethargy and reduced appetite (McLeod, Adunuri & Booth, 2019). Older adults are more
prone to develop flue because of the weak immune system. Older adults more than 65 years’
experience flu that leads to serious complication. The risk factors for older adults include chronic
lung diseases such as asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, or cystic (Singh et al., 2018). The surgical
wounds and invasive devices also facilitate high risk of infection. The patient may have
experienced asthma or any respiratory tract infection which increases the risk (Singh et al.,
2018). Hence, these chronic conditions weaken the immunes system and facilitate the infection.
Infection control precaution:
Preventing the infection and transmission of the influenza virus required a multifaceted
approach where spreading is required to minimize health care workers, patients, and visitors.
According to the Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in

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Healthcare (2010), personal protective equipment is one of the most common and crucial
preventive measures for transmission for both patient and workers (Www.health.nsw.gov.au,
2019). Orr et al. (2016), highlighted that personal protective equipment refers to protective
clothing, helmets, face mask, respirator and goggles which were designed for preventing the
spreading of infection. Hence, in this case, the patient is required to wear a surgical mask when
he is not in isolation and professionals are required to use a surgical mask, protective eyewear
while undertaking an examination of a patient that includes sputum and blood collection.
Moreover, the patient was required to provide with influenza vaccine to reduce the signs and
symptoms of the flu. Influenza vaccine facilitate the development of immunity against the virus
by stimulating the production of antibodies that are specific to the disease
(Www.health.nsw.gov.au, 2019.. The literacy regarding proper hand hygiene and respiratory
hygiene is required to develop for reducing the high prevalence (Www.health.nsw.gov.au, 2019).
Hence, five moments for hand hygiene can be employed.
In residential aged care, these infection controls are crucial because with the aging the
immune system of the older adults gradually weaken which make them more vulnerable
towards the infection (Www.health.nsw.gov.au, 2019). Moreover, in residential aged care, the
residents have difficulties in performing daily activities of living such as bathing and toileting
and hence they are more prone to the infection where worker’s hand are a potential source of
infection. In the case study, the patient was underweight and had mobilizing issues which
hindered him for performing daily activities (Www.health.nsw.gov.au, 2019). Hence, Proper
hand hygiene, cleaning, and management of spills are necessary for the management of infection.

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Risk assessment and nursing care:
The case study represents that the patient was a residence of the sunset residential aged
care facilities where he experienced flu and diagnosed with a chest infection. Over the last few
days, he was underweight and he had mobility issues. He experienced symptoms of flu such as
fever, aching joints, lethargy, reduced appetite, and productive cough. Hence, other risk
assessments needed for the patient include pressure injury, fluid balance assessment, risk
assessment for dementia and assessment for fall. Considering the first assessment, a pressure
ulcer is localized skin damage to the skin and their underlying tissue which occurs due to long
term fiction (Qaseem et al., 2015). Since the patient had mobilizing issues and only walk with
the assistance of the walking frame, it is difficult for him to walk frequently. In this case, he
might spend more time in setting position. Hence, in this case, risk assessment for pressure ulcer
is required and water-low is the most efficient tool for assessment of pressure ulcer (VanGilder
et al., 2017). Considering the risk assessment for neurodegenerative disorders, in dementia the
coordination between brain and body lost due to neuro-degeneration of nerves which further
affected the balance of the patients (Anstey et al., 2015). Consequently, the patient usually
experiences mobility issues as observed in this case study. Hence, the risk of dementia is
required to asses for the patient. As the patient had mobility issues which further affected the
walking pace, the risk of fall is high in patients due to imbalance (Van et al., 2015). Hence, the
risk for the sudden fall and associated injury is required to assess for the patient. The patient was
underweight and had reduced appetite which may be due to the infection by influenza. The fluid
imbalance in patient is required to assess which will provide the idea of imbalance in patient
including the level of electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and risk of malnourishment (Field,
2016). A fluid imbalance chart is required to design for optimizing the appetite.

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While conducting these risk assessments, the cultural aspect of care is one of the most
crucial competencies are desired by nurses. The basic premise of culturally safe care practice is
that cultural values and beliefs are required to consider while providing care to the patient
(Betancourt et al., 2016). Mr. Holden identifies as an Aboriginal Elder and aboriginal cultural
values and beliefs are distinct from the non-indigenous culture. In this case, as a health
professional, it is the responsibility to incorporate cultural values and beliefs of the patient so
that the patient feel empowered, confident and safe while receiving the care (Betancourt et al.,
2016).
Interdisciplinary team:
The case study highlighted that he was underweight and had mobility issues which
further affected his quality of life. The patient also diagnosed with chest infection and influenza
which manifested as joint pain, lethargy, and reduced appetite. In this context, the involvement
of two other health professionals such as occupational therapist and dieticians. Occupational
therapist possesses critical skills for addressing the risk of fall and assisting in walking. They are
also skilled at addressing the need of the patients from social aspects, their daily activities, and
the role and create the environment which maximizes the independence of the older adults
(Elliott & Leland, 2018). On the other hand, a dietician will alter the nutrition of the patient
according to the medical condition, they are licensed to assess and address the nutritional need of
the patient (King et al., 2018). Hence, in this case, a dietician is required to incorporate who will
design fluid-based high protein diet consists of vegetables and fruits which will optimize his
appetite and improve body weight (King et al., 2018). Involvement of these health professionals
not only optimize health condition and empower the patient.

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Conclusion:
Thus on a concluding note, it can be said that is considered as the significant human
respiratory pathogens that affected a significant number of individuals every year which further
increase the global burden of disease. The purpose of the paper is to illustrate infection control
precautions and nursing care for flu with the assistance of a case study where the patient was
experiencing flu. In order to reduce the high prevalence of infection, personal protective
equipment, proper cleaning, and hand hygiene are potential protective measures which will
prevent transmission. In this case, four additional assessments such as pressure ulcer, fluid
imbalance, risk of fall and risk of dementia are required to conduct by incorporating cultural
aspect. Two health professionals such as dieticians and occupational therapist are required to
appoint for the patient.

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