Overview Influenza, or “the flu,” is an acute contagious viral respiratory infection. It often starts suddenly and can cause fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, and nasal symptoms. Some clients, especially older adults or immunocompromised clients, may have influenza without a fever, so absence of fever does not rule it out. Influenza is more than a “bad cold.” It can lead to complications such as pneumonia, dehydration, worsening of chronic heart or lung disease, hospitalization, and death in high-risk clients. RPN care focuses on early recognition, infection control, symptom monitoring, hydration support, client teaching, and timely escalation. 2. RPN Priority Thinking For RPN-level care, think: Is this uncomplicated flu, or is the client showing signs of deterioration? The RPN should assess respiratory status, hydration, temperature pattern, mental status, oxygen saturation if available, risk factors, and response to supportive care. Clients with shortness of breath, chest pain, cyanosis, confusion, persistent high fever, dehydration, worsening chronic disease, or very young/older age require escalation to the RN/NP/physician or emergency care. 3. Transmission and Infection Control Influenza spreads mainly through...
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