Date Available

4-25-2018

Year of Publication

2018

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Committee Chair

Dr. Sharon Lock

Clinical Mentor

Dr. Mikael Jones

Committee Member

Dr. Judith Daniels

Abstract

Background: Acute bronchitis management continues to be mistreated. Evidence based practice guidelines do not support antibiotic therapy for the treatment of acute bronchitis. Providers are encouraged to prescribe antitussives, suppressants and inhaler medications for the treatment of acute bronchitis symptoms, including cough.

Objective: The overall objective of this project is to evaluate the management of adults diagnosed with acute bronchitis in a limited services clinic.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients in a limited services clinic. The chart review assessed patients aged 18-64 with a diagnosis of acute bronchitis from July 1, 2016- June 30, 2017.

Results: Of adult patients with acute bronchitis, 31% of adults aged 18-64 were not prescribed an antibiotic (N=10/32) and 68% were prescribed at least one antibiotic. Various medication classes were prescribed to patients with acute bronchitis, including analgesics, bronchodilators, antihistamines, antibiotics, corticosteroids, cough/cold/allergy medications, nasal agents and mouth/throat agents.

Conclusions: Antibiotic therapy was highly prescribed for patients with the diagnosis of acute bronchitis. However, 34% of adults with a diagnosis of acute bronchitis had at least one comorbid condition, such as chronic smoker, asthma or COPD. Among those with a comorbid condition, 82% (N=11; 9/11) were prescribed an antibiotic.

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