ATI System Disorder Template Seasonal Influenza

Diagnostic and Preventive Information

Alterations in Health (Diagnosis)

The template identifies seasonal influenza, which typically occurs as an epidemic during the fall and winter months. This section establishes the seasonal pattern and epidemic nature of influenza infections.

Pathophysiology Related to Client Problem

Seasonal influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that affects people of all ages. Key pathophysiological points include:

• Contagious period begins 24 hours before symptom manifestations
• Symptoms develop and persist for up to 5 days
• Viral transmission occurs through respiratory droplets

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

The ATI template emphasizes primary prevention strategies:

• Hand hygiene as fundamental infection control
• Immunizations (annual flu vaccination)
• Limiting allergen exposure
• Promoting smoking cessation to reduce respiratory complications

Assessment Section: Risk Factors and Clinical Findings

Risk Factors for Seasonal Influenza

The system disorder template identifies high-risk populations:

• Extremely young or advanced age (pediatric and geriatric patients)
• Lack of immunizations (unvaccinated individuals)
• Exposure to allergens (environmental triggers)
• Immunocompromised status (weakened immune system)

Expected Findings (Signs and Symptoms)

Clinical manifestations documented in this ATI template include:

• Severe headache and muscle aches (myalgia)
• Chills (rigors)
• Fatigue and weakness (malaise)
• Fever (elevated temperature)

Laboratory Tests

The system disorder template lists diagnostic laboratory procedures:

• Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) – point-of-care testing
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) – molecular diagnostic testing
• Viral culture – confirmatory testing
• CBC (Complete Blood Count) – assess immune response and complications

Diagnostic Procedures

The template notes that while viral culture and other laboratory tests are available for confirming influenza diagnosis, the CDC recommends testing only if results will influence treatment decisions, emphasizing cost-effective, clinically-relevant diagnostic approaches.

Safety Considerations Section

This critical component of the ATI system disorder template outlines infection control and patient safety measures:

• Emphasize annual influenza vaccination as primary prevention
• Implement standard precautions including hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene
• Use PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) appropriately
• Place patients in private rooms or cohorts to minimize virus spread through droplet precautions
• Educate patients on taking prescribed antiviral medications for treatment compliance

Patient-Centered Care Section

Nursing Care Interventions

The ATI template outlines specific nursing responsibilities:

• Maintain droplet and contact precautions for infection control
• Provide saline gargles for throat comfort
• Monitor hydration status and I&O (intake and output)
• Administer prescribed fluid therapy to prevent dehydration

Medications for Seasonal Influenza

The system disorder template lists antiviral medications:

• Amantadine – antiviral agent
• Rimantadine – antiviral agent
• Ribavirin – antiviral medication
• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) – neuraminidase inhibitor
• Zanamivir – inhaled neuraminidase inhibitor
• Peramivir – intravenous antiviral option

Client Education

Patient teaching points emphasized in the ATI template:

• Obtain annual flu shot for prevention
• Reduce risk by washing hands frequently
• Avoid close contact with infected individuals
• Increase fluid intake to maintain hydration
• Stay home when symptomatic
• Avoid traveling to pandemic-identified areas
• Stay informed about current flu activity

Therapeutic Procedures

Treatment interventions listed include:

• Antiviral medications (pharmacological management)
• Symptomatic treatment (supportive care)
• Oxygen therapy (for respiratory compromise)
• Hospitalization (for severe cases or complications)

Interprofessional Care

The template identifies collaborative healthcare team members:

• Respiratory Services (respiratory therapists)
• Community Health departments
• State and Federal public health officials (epidemiological surveillance and response)

Complications Section

The ATI system disorder template lists potential complications of seasonal influenza:

• Pneumonia (bacterial or viral secondary infection)
• Bronchitis (lower respiratory tract inflammation)
• Sinusitis and Otitis media (upper respiratory complications)
• Exacerbation of chronic conditions (COPD, asthma, heart disease)
• Myocarditis and encephalitis (rare but serious complications)

Educational Value of the ATI System Disorder Template

This ATI active learning template serves as an essential nursing study tool that:

• Organizes complex medical information systematically
• Facilitates NCLEX preparation and nursing school success
• Provides a standardized framework for disease process understanding
• Supports evidence-based nursing practice
• Enhances clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills
• Aids in care plan development and implementation