Nursing Care of Common Cold:

Relieve Nasal Congestion

Clean the nasal passage to remove secretions. In  infants nasal aspirator can be used while  the older children can be helped  to blow the nose or by ticking in anterior nares. Administer nasal drops  if prescribed, usually Saline drops  are sufficient. If necessary  1/4 per cent ephedrine  in saline is used to relieve congestion and antihistamines may also be advised. In children care should be taken to avoid putting nasal drops. Cough can be relieved by steam inhalation and humidification of air. Decongestants are used  in case of nasal obstruction. 

Control Fever 

Check temperature  frequently and accurately. Paracetamol and/or calcium aspirin in the dose of 10 mg per kg body weight may be administerd as prescribed  to relieve fever any myalagia. 

Promote Rest and Isolation 

Child should be nursed in a separate  room in order to prevent spread of infection  to others and articles of child should be kept separate. Hand washing  should be encouraged. Provide bed rest to child until 24 hours after fever subsides. 

Maintain Fluids and Nutrition 

Small and frequent feeds and fluids like, water, glucose, juice, and other  liquids  are offered to these children. For newborns and  infant continue breast feeding more frequently. 

Give Proper Position 

Nurse the child in prone position and change the position frequently  to avoid pooling of secretions. Watch for respiratory distress. 

Observe for Complication 

Observe the child for ear pain, cough, purulent secretions and recurrent rise of temperature.