Nursing Care for Children with Pneumonia, Pneumothorax, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Septic Shock : Case Study

Abstract

Pneumonia is the leading cause of death in children. Pneumonia may cause respiratory failure and severe complications such as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and Pneumothorax. This is a crisis that affects in both pediatric patients and families. In case study, a 3-year-old boy with pneumonia and respiratory failure was admitted. The treatment and care for the patient included three phases. First, the patient was treated with respirator, antibiotics, and intravenous fluid. Health team also gave health information with caregivers. Second, the patient was septic shock, ARDS, pneumothorax, hypokalemia, and hypophosphatemia. The patient was treated with high frequency oscillator ventilation, antibiotics, inotropic drugs, intercostal drainage. Moreover, the patient was received drugs to correct hypokalemia and hypophosphatemia. Then, the patient was better, but did not take off the ventilator. The patient was treated with tracheostomy. Lastly, the patient was discharged. In pre-discharge phase, the patient’s mother as caregiver was worry about how to care the patient at home such as tracheostomy, suction, and infection prevention. The caregiver was informed and trained from health team to make her confident in continuing care. Outcomes were in that the patient with tracheostomy was better and could live in his home with family and community. From the case study, although it was complicated, outcomes were better. The key indications include co-operation with multidisciplinary team, and intensive care with registered nurses. To reach patent safety and effective care, the registered nurses have to have knowledge about diseases, guidelines of care, and special care of the patients with high frequency oscillator ventilation and high alert drug. This study report can be used as a guideline for nursing care plan for pediatric patients with pneumonia, pneumothorax, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and septic shock.