A common respiratory condition is wheezing. Due to this medical condition, the musical high-pitched sounds are produced during breathing. Moreover, it is also giving a signal of any respiratory problem such as bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma.
Wheezing can be severe or mild. However, it causes impaired breathing, discomfort, as well as anxiety for the person. Nursing care plans are designed to manage and provide comprehensive care to the patient experiencing it. A major goal of nurses is to find out the underlying cause and help to alleviate the symptoms of any respiratory problem.
Nursing interventions for wheezing are well-structured and evidence-based approaches to help patients to recover. They help them to improve their respiratory health. Unfortunately, wheezing can occur at any place such as in clinics, hospitals, homes, etc. A major concern is managing the episodes of wheezing appropriately. That’s why nurses pay extra attention to developing efficient care plans.
All care plans emphasize the significance of accurate assessment, healthcare professional’s collaboration, and tailored nursing interventions to meet the specific needs of patients. No doubt, the nursing intervention must be effective enough to manage the problem and help patients to recover fast. In case of wheezing, the nursing interventions play a significant role in patient recovery and bringing comfort to their lives.
Nursing Interventions for Wheezing
Nurses use several types of nursing intervention for wheezing to help patients to maintain good health. Moreover, these interventions also bring them quick relief in breathing and support them to manage respiratory problems.
- Assessment & Monitoring
- It includes constant monitoring of a person’s respiratory rate, efforts, and depth.
- Assessment of sounds of lungs such as presence of wheezing during both inhalation and exhalation.
- Level of oxygen saturation measurement through pulse oximetry in order to assess hypoxemia.
- Vital signs measurement involves blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, etc.
- Documentation regarding duration, frequency, and level of wheezing episodes severity.
- Positioning
- A high-fowler’s position is best for such patients. That’s why nurses encourage those patients to sit in this position to breathe easily with maximum lung expansion.
- Use pillows or positioning aids to provide maximum comfort and upright position of the patient.
- Administration of Bronchodilators
- Administration of the prescribed bronchodilators such as salbutamol or albuterol via inhalation in order to improve airflow or relieve bronchoconstriction.
- Instruction related to correct use of inhalers and techniques of nebulizer.
- Medication side effects monitoring and assessment of the patient’s response regarding treatment.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medication
- Nursing intervention for wheezing involves administration of anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroids. It reduces the inflammation of airways.
- In addition to this, the nurses also provide education to patients related to their illness. Moreover, they help to educate them about the significance of medications and side effects.
- Oxygen Therapy
- Administration of supplemental oxygen therapy is also essential to maintain saturation of oxygen level. An oxygen level must remain in the target limit.
- Individual’s response monitoring related to the oxygen therapy to flow rate adjustment accordingly.
- On the other hand, nurses also educate patients to use oxygen equipment properly. Also, tell them all safety precautions.
- Breathing Techniques
- Nurses also teach patients techniques of breathing to enhance ventilation and decrease respiratory distress.
- Moreover, they provide guidance related to deep breaths and controlled exhalation. There is no doubt that breathing techniques help individuals to breathe comfortably.
- Fluid Hydration
- Nurses also encourage patients regarding proper fluid intake. It will save them from dehydration that can cause thickening of mucus and causing airways obstruction.
- Fluid intake in a proper way also helps patients to maintain their overall health in a better way.
- Patient Education
- Nursing intervention for wheezing also involves significant patient education regarding their respiratory conditions.
- Nurses educate individuals about the symptoms and triggers. Also, teach them management strategies.
- Furthermore, they teach them how to avoid all triggers. Triggers can be irritants, allergens, as well as smoking.
- They also educate individuals to seek medical help regarding respiratory distress or wheezing.
- Collaboration with Other Healthcare Professionals
- Nurses also collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide better patient care.
- They work in collaboration with respiratory therapists for specific interventions such as airway clearance techniques, pulmonary functions, etc.
- Nurses try their best to provide best patient care and help them in their recovery.
- Psychological Assistance
- Respiratory issues cause anxiety and emotional distress in patients.
- Nurses offer emotional support to decrease the level of stress and anxiety among patients.
- During wheezing episodes, the individual feels stress and can’t relax. That’s why nurses teach them techniques related to relaxation to help them in anxiety related exacerbation management.
The Bottom Lines
There is no doubt that effectiveness of the nursing interventions for wheezing can be assessed on certain parameters. These parameters include assessment of respiratory improvement, enhanced oxygenation, reduction in wheezing, and patient’s ability to manage his condition. Furthermore, the ultimate goal of nurses is to empower individuals to manage wheezing episodes Also improves their overall health. No doubt, patient education helps them a lot in dealing with various kinds of scenarios and promotes their health and emotional well-being.
FAQs
- What to do if a patient is wheezing?
There are certain effective tips that patients can follow at the time of wheezing. Patients can take a steamy warm water bath. Also use humidifiers because they can also help in a better way. Moreover, warm drinks can also relax the airway passages and bring relief.
- What is the first treatment for wheezing?
If a patient is suffering from wheezing due to asthma then it is better to use prescribed inhalers in a correct way. These inhalers can open the airways and relax them to enhance comfort breathing. However, correct and proper use of inhalers can bring effective results in such situations.
- What is the best way to breathe when wheezing?
A best way to breath during wheezing is inhaling air through your nose and exhaling out from pursed lips. It will cause more air in your lungs. Do breathing exercises to take more comfort.
