Nursing Care for Pediatric Patients with Pneumonia : A Study of Two Cases.

Abstract

     This study aimed to compare the use of the nursing process in the care of two pediatric patients with pneumonia admitted between January and March 2025 at the Pediatric Ward, Somdej Phra Yuparat Kranuan Hospital, Kranuan District, Khon Kaen Province. Patient health status was assessed and data was collected using Gordon's 11 health status models through interviews, physical examinations, observation, and patient records to cover health problems and needs. Nursing plans and procedures were developed, nursing outcomes were evaluated, and data were analyzed and compared according to the steps of the nursing process.

     Results: Patient 1, aged 2 years and 4 months, had received complete age-appropriate immunizations. Development was age-appropriate, but growth was not age-appropriate; the child was relatively short and overweight. One day prior to hospitalization, the child presented with fever, tachycardia, and wheezing. A chest-PA upright X-ray revealed patchy infiltration of the right lower lobe of the lung. The nursing diagnosis was pneumonia, with severity ranging from severe to very severe. During treatment, vital signs were abnormal. The patient had abnormally low fingertip oxygen saturation (SpO2 88%) and respiratory tract infection. They were treated with antibiotics, antipyretics, cough suppressants, and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen. Nine nursing diagnoses were identified. Nursing care was provided to address problems and needs. The patient received treatment for 6 days, remained stable, and had no complications. The physician discharged the patient.

     Patient 2, a 1 year and 5 month old child, received complete age-appropriate immunization. Development was age-appropriate, but growth was not age-appropriate; the child was relatively short. One hour prior to hospitalization, the child presented with fever, cough with sputum, and shortness of breath. There was a history of frequent colds. In 2024, the child had pneumonia and anemia. A chest-PA upright X-ray revealed infiltration in both lungs. The nursing diagnosis was pneumonia, with severity ranging from severe to very severe. During treatment, vital signs were abnormal, there was respiratory tract infection, and frequent diarrhea due to a gastrointestinal infection. The child was treated with antibiotics, antipyretics, cough suppressants, and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen. There were 11 nursing diagnoses, and nursing care was provided to address the problems and needs. The patient received treatment for 5 days, remained stable, and had no complications. The doctor allowed the child to be discharged.