nurse's notes

ACUTE TRACHEOBRONCHITIS- acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the trachea and the bronchial tree

CAUSES:

• often follows infection of the upper respiratory track
• inhalation of physical and chemical irritants like gasses or other polluted air
• patient with viral infection has a lower resistance and prone to develop secondary bacterial infection

Signs and Symptoms:

• mucopurulent sputum which is secreted by the edematous mucosa of the bronchi
  
• dry irritating cough
• sternal soreness from coughing
• fever
  
• headache
• general malaise
• if progresses , profuse and purulent and cough becomes looser
  

FOR CHILDREN- Acute Tracheobronchitis is serious disease and a child is acutely ill have noisy respiration with inter-costal retraction. Strict nursing monitoring of the child and prompt action for any respiratory obstruction:

FOR AGED are prone to develop Bronchopneumonia as a complication due to their inability to cough out secretions therefore tend to retain the mucopurulent exudate


Nursing Measures:

• bed rest
• increase fluid intake to liquefy the thick tenacious secretion and can be easily expectorate
• hot compress to relieve soreness and pain
• hot drinks may prove soothing
• Fruit juices are rich in Vitamin C will increase resistant against infection
• steam inhalation to loosen secretion and relieve laryngeal and tracheal irritation
• for aged- frequent turning side to side and put in sitting position
  

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