Ch. 17: Tonsillitis and Tonsillectomy Flashcards
What are tonsils?
Masses of lymph-type tissue found in pharyngeal area
What do tonsils do?
Filter pathogenic organisms (viral and bacterial), which helps to protect the resp and GIT tracts; they also contribute to antibody formation
Where are palatine tonsils located?
Both sides of the oropharynx
What are the other tonsils?
Pharyngeal tonsils, also known as the adenoids
What is the name of the surgery to remove the palatine tonsils?
Tonsillectomy
What is the name of the surgery to remove the pharyngeal tonsils (aka the adenoids)?
Adenoidectomy
Are tonsils vascular or avascular?
Highly vascular
Since tonsils are highly vascular, what does this do?
Help them protect against infection because foreign materials, such as viral or bacterial organisms, that enter the body through the mouth
What can enlarged tonsils do?
- Can block nose and throat (interfers with breathing, nasal & sinus drainage, sleeping, swallowing, and speaking)
- Can disrupt function of eustachian tube (impedes hearing)
Acute tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils become ____ & ____
Inflamed and reddened
What may be visible on inflamed and reddened tonsils?
Small patches of yellowish pus
Can acute tonsillitis become chronic?
Yes
Nursing care: What does it mean to provide symptomatic care for viral tonsillitis?
Rest
Cool fluids
Warm salt-water gargles
Why would we give an antipyretic for tonsillitis?
Decrease fever and manage pain
What are some antibiotics to give for tonsillitis?
IM penicillin G Erythromycin Azithromycin Cephs Ampxocillin