CXR significance to this Ped's pt...

[NatyNurse]

Hi, I'm a SN and I'm working on a NCP, and I'm hoping someone can help me please with this issue I'm stuck on...I have a 9 month, female ped's pt. admitted with Pneumonia, her diagnostic Test was a Chest Xray, that states " Mild Peribronchial Thickening Mthmazy, R base infiltrate" can someone tell me in simple words what this means? What significance to Client care does it have? and what Lab test besides WBC and CO2 should I be most concerned about it's levels being High or Low? Thank u much, any info is truly appreciated ! :) [

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

Peri bronchial thickening just means narrowing of the bronchial walls. The reading and terminology used for pediatric radiology can be confusing and they do not always agree on the terminolgy. An infiltrate just means there is a biological substance in the lung that should not be there..caused in this case by a virus or bacteria. The child has pneumonia so you would expect to see this on the CXR. You will need to monitor the CBC including the white count.....ABGs....O2 sat.....assess patient for retractions..tachypnea...air hungar.....extreme respiratory distress...monitor response to all treatments and therapies prescribed. Can you tell me a little more about the pt and I may have more suggestions