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Nursing Guide to Common Cold: Nursing Diagnosis, Interventions, & Care Plans

Updated On 4 Minute Read

Common Cold Etiology and Epidemiology

The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. There are many types of viruses that can cause the common cold, the most common of which is the rhinoviruses (Mayo Clinic, 2021). The virus enters an individual’s body through the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth. It is spread through droplets when an infected individual sneezes, coughs, or talks. It can also be spread by contact with contaminated objects such as doorknobs, towels, eating utensils, toys, or phones.

Common Cold Diagnosis

A diagnosis of a common cold is made by an individual’s signs and symptoms or by ruling out other types of infections. Symptoms are self-limited and may last up to 10 days. The primary goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms duration and severity.

Symptoms of the common cold include:

  • Congestion
  • Cough
  • Slight body aches
  • Sneezing
  • Low-grade fever
  • Sore throat
  • Mild headache

As a common cold runs its course the discharge from an individual’s nose may become thicker and green or yellow.

Management

While there is no cure for the common cold, there are some ways to treat the symptoms. It is important to stay hydrated. Increasing fluid consumption helps prevent dehydration from an elevated temperature and also helps to thin secretions. Over the counter pain relievers, decongestants, and antihistamines can reduce cold symptoms. Over the counter cold medications should not be used in children under 4 years old. Increased rest can give the individual time to recharge their immune system. Most individuals recover from the common cold without any treatment in 7 to 10 days.

Other treatments that may be beneficial to treat the common cold include (Degeorge et al., 2019):

  • Zinc
  • Nasal decongestants
  • Nasal saline irrigation

Common Cold Nursing Care Plan

Nursing Considerations

Use the nursing process to develop a plan of care for individuals. The nursing assessment (with common findings listed), diagnoses, interventions, expected outcomes, and education for the common cold are listed below.

Common Cold Assessment

The assessment of an individual with a common cold may reveal a raspy or nasal quality voice. The throat and mucous membranes may exhibit erythema and the skin around the nose may be excoriated. The individual may also have a low-grade fever.

The individual should also be assessed for signs and symptoms of a secondary viral infection, such as influenza or a bacterial infection causing:

  • Sinusitis
  • Otitis media
  • Pharyngitis
  • Lower respiratory infection

Nursing Diagnosis/Risk For

Common nursing diagnosis for the common cold include:

  • Hyperthermia
  • Fatigue
  • Ineffective airway clearance
  • Infection
  • Pain

Common Cold Interventions

Nursing interventions for the common cold are based on symptom management. Interventions to treat the common cold include:

  • Administer analgesics, as indicated.
  • Encourage rest to treat fatigue.
  • Treat elevated body temperature caused by nonenvironmental factors.
  • Promote fluid intake.
  • Assess for early signs of secondary infection.
  • Administer decongestants/antihistamines, as ordered.
  • Provide moist air.
  • Offer cough drops or sugarless candy for throat irritation.
  • Provide lubrication for nostrils.

Expected Outcomes

  • Demonstrates infection prevention and control
  • Maintains a patent airway
  • Develops no signs of secondary infection
  • Verbalizes feeling rested
  • Verbalizes resolution of symptoms

Patient/Caregiver Education

  • Condition, treatment, and expected outcomes
  • Infection prevention and control practices, specifically hand washing
  • Use of humidified air
  • Hydrating with sufficient fluids
  • Avoiding smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke
  • Getting plenty of rest
  • Administration of medications for symptom management
  • Follow-up with healthcare providers

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Additional Information

Content Release Date 

4/1/2022

Content Expiration

12/31/2027

Content Contributor

Content created/revised by Kim Matthews, RN

Ms. Matthews obtained a nursing degree from Western Kentucky University in 1998. Ms. Matthews possesses over 20 years of nursing experience with over 17 of those in the Skilled Nursing industry. Ms. Matthews has extensive experience in MDS, restorative nursing programs, and nursing management. Ms. Matthews is currently Post-Acute Care Content writer and subject matter expert for MDS.

References

FAQs

Kim Matthews, RN

Ms. Matthews obtained a nursing degree from Western Kentucky University in 1998. Ms. Matthews possesses over 20 years of nursing experience with over 17 of those in the Skilled Nursing industry. Ms. Matthews has extensive experience in MDS, restorative nursing programs, and nursing management. Ms. Matthews is currently a Post-Acute Care Content writer and subject matter expert for MDS.