Acute Bronchitis Nursing Care Plan &
Management
Description
● Is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that generally follows an upper
respiratory tract infection. As a result of this viral (most common) or bacterial
infection, the airways become inflamed and irritated, and mucus production
increases.
Causes
● Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses. Established risk factors include a
history of smoking, occupational exposures, air pollution, reduced lung function, and
heredity. Children of parents who smoke are at higher risk for pulmonary infections
that may lead to bronchitis.
, Assessment:
● Fever, tachypnea, mild dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain (possible).
● Cough with clear to purulent sputum production.
● Diffuse rhonchi and crackles(contrast with localized crackles usually heard with
pneumonia).
Diagnostic Evaluation:
● Chest X-ray may rule out pneumonia. In bronchitis, films show no evidence of lung
infiltrates or consolidation.
Primary Nursing Diagnosis
● Impaired gas exchange related to obstructed airways
Medical Management:
● Chest physiotherapy to mobilize secretions, if indicated.
Management
Description
● Is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that generally follows an upper
respiratory tract infection. As a result of this viral (most common) or bacterial
infection, the airways become inflamed and irritated, and mucus production
increases.
Causes
● Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses. Established risk factors include a
history of smoking, occupational exposures, air pollution, reduced lung function, and
heredity. Children of parents who smoke are at higher risk for pulmonary infections
that may lead to bronchitis.
, Assessment:
● Fever, tachypnea, mild dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain (possible).
● Cough with clear to purulent sputum production.
● Diffuse rhonchi and crackles(contrast with localized crackles usually heard with
pneumonia).
Diagnostic Evaluation:
● Chest X-ray may rule out pneumonia. In bronchitis, films show no evidence of lung
infiltrates or consolidation.
Primary Nursing Diagnosis
● Impaired gas exchange related to obstructed airways
Medical Management:
● Chest physiotherapy to mobilize secretions, if indicated.
