Chapter 13 Upper Respiratory Disorders

Question 1

what is rhinosinusitis?

Answer 1

inflammation of the mucosal lining of the sinus es and can be caused by infection or by allergies (allergic rhinitis)

Question 2

symptoms of rhinosinusitis?

Answer 2

• mild sore throat at first/hot dry prickly sensation in the back of the throat
• congested nose, eyes watering, sneezing, malaise
  -irritating nonproductive cough

Question 3

treatment of rhinosinusitis?

Answer 3

• relieving pain
• controlling bacteria infection
• reduce inflammation
• thin secretions to help promote drainage like steam and increase fluid intake

Question 4

what does sinus congestion cause?

Answer 4

• headache
• tenderness over sinuses
• purulent drainage from the nose
• upper teeth may become painful
• sometimes nonproductive cough

Question 5

what is pharyngitis? caused by?

Answer 5

inflammation of the pharynx (aka sore throat)
-may be caused by a virus, bacteria, or fungus usually viral

Question 6

symptoms of pharyngitis

Answer 6

• dry scratchy feeling in the back of the throat
• mild fever
• headache, malaise
• throat, tonsils, palate, and uvula may be reddened
  -(also very similar to symptoms of laryngitis/epiglottitis/tonsillitis)

Question 7

Treatment of pharyngitis

Answer 7

-warm saline gargle (salt water)
- analgesics, throat lozenges, antiseptic sprays
-rest, plenty of fluids

Question 8

what is laryngitis? what does it do to voice?

Answer 8

-inflammation of the larynx
- diminished voice or hoarseness

Question 9

what is epiglottitis? more common in who?

Answer 9

inflammation of the epiglottis
- common in children

Question 10

what is epistaxis? caused by?

Answer 10

nose bleed
- dryness or irritation of mucous membranes, nose blowing, nose picking
-possibly hypertension, trauma, and blood disorders

Question 11

treatment for epistaxis?

Answer 11

sit forward and apply direct pressure by pinching the nose
- cold compress applied to nose

Question 12

after a nose bleed stops what do you avoid for the next 24 hours?

Answer 12

• avoid bending over, blowing your nose, picking at, or rubbing for 24hr

Question 13

What is tonsillitis? caused by?

Answer 13

infection and inflammation of the tonsils, usually caused by strep, staph, or influenza

Question 14

treatment for tonsillitis? more common in who?

Answer 14

-antipyretics, analgesics, and antibiotics
- warm salt water gargle
- rest, plenty of fluids
- tonsillectomy
- more common in children

Question 15

what to assess for in px who underwent a tonsillectomy?

Answer 15

• pain, dysphagia, dyspnea, restlessness, or anxiety
• vital signs
• inspect for drainage from mouth, vomit, and stool for signs of bleeding (excessive swallowing can indicate bleed going down throat)
• monitor respiratory effort and skin color for oxygenation

Question 16

nursing interventions for px who underwent a tonsillectomy?

Answer 16

• keep px on their side or abdomen for as long as there is drainage from the throat
• limit diet to soft, nonirritating foods