Nursing Care of Pediatric Pneumonia Patients Receiving Heated Humidified High Flow Nasal Cannula (HHHFNC): A Study of 2 Cases

Abstract

Background: Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract caused by microorganisms. Resulting in inflammation of the lung tissue and causing pediatric patients to have respiratory failure, lack of oxygen and death.

   Objective: To study nursing care for two pediatric patients with pneumonia who received with Heated Humidified High Flow Nasal Cannula (HHHFNC).

    Methods: This study was a case study of two pediatric patients with pneumonia. They were being treated with Heated Humidified High Flow Nasal Cannula (HHHFNC) Their health status were assessed by using Gordon's functional health patterns. Data were analyzed to determine nursing diagnosis, expected outcomes, interventions, and evaluation of nursing outcomes

     Results of the study: Both patients had a total of sixth nursing diagnosiswhile being treated with HHHFNC at a pediatric ward, they were 1) Impaired gas exchange due to inflammation of the lung tissue. 2) Ineffective breathing pattern due to mucus blocking the passage way and decreased lung expansion 3) Lung infection due to mucus retention and inflammation. 4) Comfort, alteration in: high fever. 5) Fluid volume deficit due to high fever, discomfort in swallowing and 6) Parental anxiety due to their child's illness. Both patients received nursing care with HHHFNC to improve oxygenation until the critical stage pass, their symptoms improved and they were discharged from the hospital. The number of days admitted in hospital for people 1 and 2 were 7 days and 8 days, respectively.

       Recommendations: Treatment with HHHFNC in pediatric pneumonia patients with acute respiratory failure could prevent endotracheal tube intubation and re-intubation. Therefore, nurses required knowledge, skills and close monitoring to prevent hypoxemia and others complications.