Influenza and Common Cold (16 Questions)

1. M. Jacques Tremblay, 28 years old, presents to the employee health clinic. He tells the nurse, "I felt fine this morning, but at 10:00 AM, it hit me like a truck."

Assessment:
*Onset: Sudden/Abrupt.
*Symptoms: High fever (39.5°C), severe body aches (myalgia), extreme fatigue, and a dry cough.
*Nasal: Mild congestion, no significant rhinorrhea.

Medical Orders:
*Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Test (RIDT).
*Acetaminophen 650 mg PO q4h PRN.
*Encourage fluids.

Question:
Based on the assessment, what condition does the nurse suspect? *
2. Mme. Ginette Roy, 75 years old, was diagnosed with the flu 5 days ago. She initially felt better yesterday, but today her daughter brought her to the ED because she deteriorated.

Assessment:
*Respiratory Rate: 26 breaths/min.
*SpO2: 91% on room air.
*Sputum: Thick, green, purulent.
*Lung Sounds: Crackles in the right lower lobe.

Medical Orders:
*Chest X-ray.
*Sputum Culture.
*Oxygen to maintain SpO2 > 92%.

Question:
What complication has likely occurred? *
3. Mme. Claire Bouchard calls the telehealth line regarding her 8-year-old son, who has a confirmed case of Influenza B with a high fever and muscle pain. She wants to know what medication she can give him for relief.

Medical Orders:
*Home management instructions.

Question:
What is the nurse’s priority safety warning? *
4. M. Pierre Gagnon, 40 years old, visits the clinic complaining of flu symptoms.

Assessment:
*Symptom onset: 36 hours ago.
*Fever: 38.8°C.
*History: Asthma.

Medical Orders:
*Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) 75 mg PO BID x 5 days.
*Salbutamol Inhaler PRN.

Question:
The patient asks, "Will this pill cure me immediately?" What is the nurse’s response? *
5. M. Robert Fortin, 68 years old, is admitted to the medical unit with confirmed Influenza A. He is coughing frequently.

Medical Orders:
*Admit to private room.
*Initiate Isolation Precautions.
*IV fluids at 100 mL/hr.

Question:
Which precautions must the nurse implement? *
6. Mme. Sophie Lemieux, 32 years old, has a severe head cold (rhinorrhea, sneezing, mild sore throat) for 3 days. She is demanding a prescription.

Assessment:
*Lungs clear.
*No fever.
*Mucus is clear.

Medical Orders:
*Symptomatic management.

Question:
Mme. Lemieux asks, "Why won't the doctor give me antibiotics? I need to get back to work!" What is the correct explanation? *
7. M. Sylvain Cote, 50 years old, comes to the pharmacy clinic for his annual Flu Shot. The nurse reviews his medical history before administration.

Medical Orders:
*Administer Influenza Vaccine (Inactivated) 0.5 mL IM.

Question:
Which finding in the history is a contraindication or precaution requiring physician consultation before administering the vaccine? *
8. M. André Desjardins, 82 years old, has the flu. He lives alone. The home health nurse visits him.

Assessment:
*Patient is weak and lethargic.
*Mucous membranes are dry and sticky.
*Skin turgor is poor (tenting).
*BP 100/60, HR 104.

Medical Orders:
*Encourage PO fluids.
*Acetaminophen for fever.

Question:
What is the priority nursing concern? *
10. M. Michel Lambert, 45 years old, is recovering from a severe bout of the flu. He asks the nurse, "I'm feeling a bit better. When can I go back to work and the gym?"

Medical Orders:
*Discharge home.

Question:
What is the appropriate teaching? *
11. M. Claude Gagnon, 35 years old, presents to the clinic feeling unwell.

Assessment:
*Vital Signs: Temp 38.9°C, HR 98, BP 120/80, RR 20.
*Respiratory: Frequent dry cough.
*ENT: Runny nose (rhinorrhea) and sneezing.
*General: Reports muscle aches (myalgia).

Question:
The nurse suspects Influenza rather than the common cold. Which specific findings in the assessment strongly support this suspicion? *
12. Mme. Valérie Lavoie, 29 years old, comes to the pharmacy for a flu shot. During the screening, she checks "Yes" for "Allergy to eggs." She tells the nurse, "I get hives if I eat scrambled eggs, but I really need the flu shot for work."

Medical Orders:
*Administer Influenza Vaccine.

Question:
What is the current standard of practice regarding this patient? *
13. M. Sylvain Cote, 45 years old, received his influenza vaccine 4 hours ago. He returns to the clinic complaining of discomfort.

Assessment:
*Eyes: Both eyes are red, itchy, and he reports a gritty sensation (bilateral conjunctivitis).
*Respiratory: He has a mild cough and feels slightly short of breath/chest tightness.
*Face: Mild facial edema is noted.
*General: No fever, no hives/urticaria.

Question:
What do you suspect is happening to the patient? *
14. Mme. Isabelle Tremblay is hospitalized in a semi-private room. Her roommate tested positive for Influenza A yesterday. Today (24 hours later), Mme. Tremblay demands to be moved to a private room, stating: "I caught the flu from her! Look, I have a runny nose already!"

Question:
Does the nurse agree with the patient's conclusion that she has developed influenza from this exposure? *
15. M. Pierre Bouchard, 55 years old, just received his annual influenza vaccine. Before leaving the clinic, he asks the nurse, "Last year my arm was really sore, and I felt a bit warm that night. What should I do if that happens again?"

Question:
What is the appropriate nursing teaching? *
16. Mme. Sophie Gagnon, 26 years old, is at the prenatal clinic for her first visit. She is 8 weeks pregnant (First Trimester). It is currently flu season (November). She asks the nurse, "I want to get the flu shot to protect my baby, but should I wait until I am further along in my pregnancy?"

Medical Orders:
*Routine prenatal care.
*Influenza vaccination status check.

Question:
What is the correct nursing response based on current guidelines? *