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Medical-Surgical Nursing

What Should the Nurse Do?

Medical-Surgical NursingWhat Should the Nurse Do?

What Should the Nurse Do?

A 45-year-old male presents to the emergency department with symptoms of fever, cough, and dyspnea. He reports recent travel to an area with known cases of influenza. Upon examination, the patient’s temperature is 102°F (38.9°C), respiratory rate is 24 breaths per minute, and oxygen saturation is 90% on room air. Auscultation reveals crackles in the lower lungs. The patient is tested for influenza and the result comes back positive.
1 .
Considering the patient’s presentation and diagnosis of influenza infection, what factors may have contributed to his susceptibility to contracting the virus?
2 .
What are the highest priority nursing interventions at this time?
3 .
How might education and collaboration with other health-care professionals contribute to the management of this patient’s care and the broader public health response to viral infections?
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