Nursing care for children with Pneumonia that have been attached to a High - flow nasal cannula

Pneumonia In Child

Abstract

             A patient with breathing difficulty may develop further complications such as respiratory failure which indicates mechanical ventilation support. Application of mechanical ventilation is necessary for the patient but carries several risks. High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a type of high oxygen flow rate ventilation support that delivers heated and humidified gas through the nasal cannula. It reduces nasopharyngeal dead space therefore the patient receives continuous and sufficient oxygen concentration and has fewer rebreathing. HFNC also generates Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) which clears the airways and decreases the work of breathing that can result in breathing difficulty improvement.

          This study depicts a nursing care case of a severe pneumonia infant with labored and rapid breathing (48 breaths per min). Subcostal retraction, intercostal retraction and left lung crepitation were found. The patient was treated by medication and high-flow nasal cannula ventilation support. The treatment and nursing care continued until there was clinical improvement; lower breathing rate (38-42 breaths per min), no retraction and little expiratory wheezing. As the result of appropriate treatment, infection prevention nursing care and appropriate self-care, childhood pneumonia can be successfully managed without complication and the patient can return to daily life.