Final Flashcards
What are the two accessory muscles for inspiration?
Sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles
The higher you see the indrawing, the more _____ the respiratory distress
Severe
Do children abdominally or chest breathe?
Abdominal breathing
What is see-saw breathing in children?
When the chest and abdomen do not move in congruence while breathing
What age does the respiratory tract stop growing?
12 years old
How does the child airway differ to adults?
Shorter and narrower
Is the relationship between airway diameter and resistance inverse or correlated?
Inverse
What age are NBs nose breathers until?
Approx 4 weeks
How big is a child’s airway diameter?
Typically, the size of a child’s pinky finger
Why do we see a spike in illness in babies after 6 months of age?
Introduction of solid foods
When would CRP be high?
Inflammation, children with bacterial illness
Why would electrolytes be increased naturally?
Increased metabolic work
What do pH, PaCO2, and bicarbonate levels indicate?
pH - determines extent of acidity or alkalinity in the body
PaCO2 - reflects the adequacy of ventilation by the lungs
Bicarbonate - reflects the activity of the kidneys in retaining or excreting bicarbonate
What will blood work look like in resp acidosis? (pH, PaCO2, and bicarbonate)
pH - decreased
PaCO2 - increased
Bicarbonate - normal
What are the 10 signs and symptoms of resp acidosis?
headache, anxiety, blurred vision, restlessness, confusion, fatigue, lethargy, delirium, SOB, coma
What four conditions could possibly cause resp acidosis?
Croup, epilgottitis, bronchiolitis, and status asthmaticus
Why does respiratory acidosis occur (general info)?
Prolonged periods of apnea, deoxygenation, or an airway obstruction
What will blood work look like in resp alkalosis? (pH, PaCO2, and bicarbonate)
pH - increased
PaCO2 - decreased
Bicarbonate - decreased or normal, case dependent
Is resp acidosis or alkalosis more common?
Acidosis
What are the six signs and symptoms of resp alkalosis?
Lethargy, anxiety, hyperventilation, nausea, confusion, and vomiting
What is one of the most primary signs of resp alkalosis?
Hyperventilation
What are the four potential causes of resp alkalosis in children?
panic/anxiety attacks, fever, tumour, and trauma/injury
What is circumoral cyanosis?
A ring of blue around the mouth
After which VS changes will we see circumoral cyanosis?
After RR and HR changes, but before BP changes
Define tonsilitis
Inflammation of the tonsils
What does tonsillitis often occur concurrently with?
Pharyngitis
What are the five signs and symptoms of tonsillitis?
sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing, enlarged tonsils, and headache
At what stage would a tonsillectomy not be performed?
Would not perform a tonsillectomy during a phase of tonsilitis, as the patient is already at risk for infection and OR procedures may elevate risk of sepsis
What are six nursing managements of tonsillitis?
- saline rinses, warm liquids, honey
- Tylenol and Advil for analgesia and antipyretic
- cool humidifiers or nebulizers
- cool fluids, ice chips
- antibiotics for bacterial
- discarding toothbrushes to reduce recurrence
What age would we not provide honey for tonsillitis and why?
Do not give honey to children under 1 year due to it being unpasteurized and risk of botulism
Define croup
A virus that triggers swelling of the trachea around the larynx
Is croup viral or bacterial?
Viral
What time of the day is croup typically worsened?
At night
What condition causes a bark, seal-like cough?
Croup
What adventitious sound would be heard with croup?
Stridor
What are four nursing managements for croup?
- cool humidifier, nebulizer, or cool night air
- fluids to soothe throat
- steroids such as epinephrine or dexamethasone to decrease swelling and inflammation
- offer small, frequent amounts of fluid to maintain hydration
What are the 7 signs and symptoms of croup?
cold-like symptoms, hoarse, barking cough, stridor, tachypnea, substernal retractions and increased WOB, and worsened at night
Define RSV/bronchiolitis
Lower resp tract illness characterized by inflammation of the bronchioles and increased mucous production
airway obstruction and air trapping occurs, bronchiolar mucosa swells and lumina are filled with mucous and exudate, obstruction in small air passages lead to hyperinflation
At what age is RSV/bronchiolitis most common?
Infancy
What is syangis? who is eligible?
High risk neonates may qualify for the monthly injections to reduce risk of RSV
what are the 5 common signs/symptoms of RSV?
stuffy/runny nose, cough, otitis media, low-grade fever, sore throat
What are the 7 worsening symptoms of RSV?
trouble breathing, tachypnea, wheezing, deeper/more frequent coughing, cyanosis, dehydration, poor feeding (bottle or BF)
When is RSV season?
October to April
When is the peak of illness for RSV?
Day 5
For babies with RSV requiring hydration, how will this be completed? IV NG?
We will begin with NG tubes as replacement for hydration than an IV
Those that are extremely ill will receive an IV, but NG tube is first line of treatment
What are the 4 nursing managements of RSV?
- Supplemental oxygen, suctioning, PO or IV hydration
- inhaled bronchodilator (i.e., epinephrine)
- chest physio
- PPE and hygiene due to infectious nature
Why should we be conservative with suctioning in children with RSV?
it will cause the body to produce more mucus rather than reducing it
Define cystic fibrosis
Autosomal recessive disorder (chromosome 7) affecting multiple body systems, where mucous builds up and blocks the airways & ducts of the pancreas
Can CF be tested for prenatally?
Yes, DNA testing can be done to detect it
What 3 systems are affected by CF?
Exocrine gland dysfunction that impacts sweat, GI tract, pancreas, and resp tract
How is the pancreas affected in CF?
Blockages in the pancreas prevent digestive enzymes from reaching the small bowel
Why might sputum be blood tinged with CF?
Due to scarring and irritation in the airway
What electrolyte may be reduced in CF? Why?
May have reduced electrolytes, specifically sodium
Increased sodium excretion through the sweat and mucus secretions
What are the four signs and symptoms of CF?
- Difficulty breathing and life-altering resp tract problems (wet, rattling cough with mucous)
- severe, chronic lung infections (leading to permanent lung damage and disease)
- failure to grow and gain weight
- difficulty digesting food
What is the leading cause of CF deaths?
permanent lung damage and lung disease
What are the 3 nursing managements for CF?
- minimize pulmonary complications, maximize lung function, and prevent infection
- daily chest physio to mobilize secretions from the lungs
- medications
what 5 medications would be prescribed to a child with CF?
- hypertonic saline via nebulizer
- inhaled bronchodilators
- anti-inflammatory agents
- antibiotics
- recombinant Dnase can decrease sputum thickness
How do we manage digestive problems in CF?
A high calorie and protein diet, pancreatic enzymes to aid digestion, vitamins, and dietary supplements (i.e., NG or TPN)
What does a hypertonic nebulizer do for CF?
helps to loosen mucus
When is incentive spirometry and deep breath & cough not useful?
When a child is actively in resp distress
Define asthma
A chronic inflammatory airway disorder characterized by airway hyper-responsiveness, airway edema, and mucus production
What is the most common chronic illness in children
asthma
What is the most severe presentation of asthma?
Status asthmaticus
Children with asthma are more susceptible to ___ and ____ respiratory infections
Bacterial and viral
What are the 7 signs and symptoms of asthma?
frequent cough without a trigger, tachypnea/dyspnea/SOB, wheezing, difficulty speaking, seesaw breathing/retractions, tightened neck/muscles, dark circles under the eyes
What time of day is coughing worsened for asthma?
First thing in the morning and night
Describe the step-wise approach for medication asthma treatment
Stepwise approach is best:
short-acting bronchodilators may be used in the acute treatment of bronchoconstriction and long-acting to prevent bronchospasm
What is an asthma controller and provide an example of medication
Used routinely for management of chronic inflammation in the lungs
Beclomethasone - a corticosteroid
What is an asthma reliever and provide an example of medication
used for periods of exacerbation, decreasing response to triggers/allergens
albuterol - adrenergic
What is pseudoephedrine and what is it used for?
Adrenergic, decongestant
Symptomatic relief of nasal and nasopharyngeal mucosal congestion due to the common cold, hay fever, or other resp allergies
What drug is pseudophedrine contraindicated with?
Should not be taken with MAOIs or within 2 weeks of discontinuation
At what age should there be cautious use of pseudoephedrine?
<4 years
What drug could cause rebound congestion?
Pseudophedrine
What is acetylcysteine and what is it used for?
A mucolytic, acetaminophen antidote
Adjunctive therapy for abnormal and viscous mucous secretions in acute and chronic bronchopulmonary disorders
How should acetylcysteine be taken with a bronchodilator?
Bronchodilator should be taken 10-15 mins prior to acetylcysteine nebulizer
Is it normal for a child to have more mucus when first taking acetylcysteine?
yes
What is beclomethasone and what is it used for?
Corticosteroid, anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic
Long-term control of persistent bronchial asthma (i.e., controller)
Should beclamethasone be shaken prior to use? What must be done after administration?
Never shake
Rinse mouth and spit to prevent thrush
What should be taken first, controller or reliever?
Reliever should be given first and then controller second, as it has the best impacts
What age would we use a mask and spacer?
Masks should be used for those under or at 4 years of age, and spacers after 4 years
What is albuterol and what is it used for?
adrenergic, agonist, anti-asthmatic, bronchodilator
treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in asthma or COPD
Should albuterol be shaken? how long should a patient wait in between each inhalation?
Should be shaken well
Wait 30s-1 min and take normal breaths between
What age does salivary production begin?
4 months
what is the stomach capacity of the neonate?
10-20ml
Why is regurgitation common in newborns?
Immature muscle tone of the LES and low volume capacity of the stomach
Why is the sucking and extrusion reflex important for babies?
Sucking and extrusion reflex allows the tongue to thrust any foreign object out of the mouth, such as a finger or soother
What are six reasons that NG tubes may be used?
decompress stomach and proximal small intestine, evacuate blood or secretions, control bleeding from gastric and esophageal therapies, administer meds/fluids/TPN, obtain gastric contents, administer lavage or irrigation
Can we add medications to an enteral feeding formula for NG?
Never
How can TPN administer via IV? How long should we wait between doses?
Either centrally or peripherally
High alert medication - 4 hours between doses
How is TPN dosed/calculated?
Prescribed based on age, weight, and nutritional deficits
What three dietary problems are associated with constipation?
Decreased fibre, lactose intolerance or too much dairy, and not enough fluids/water
Within what time frame should babies have their first mec?
48 hours
How will increasing fibre and fluids aid constipation?
Fiber - add bulk to the stool and make it easier to pass
fluids - soften the stool to help
How many stools should a 3mo, 2 yr, and 4yr be having?
3mo - ~2-4 stools/day
2yr - ~1-2 stools/day
4yr - ~1 stool/day
What is the best way to potty/bowel train?
Implement regular toilet sitting times
Why might rebound constipation occur?
May occur if laxatives are stopped abruptly
How long may children be on daily bowel medications? what is the goal?
usually at least six months and want to ensure the child has at least one soft stool per day
Define gastroenteritis
Inflammation of the stomach and intestines
What pathogens may cause gastroenteritis?
Bacteria, viruses, and parasites
What is the leading cause of gastroenteritis?
Rotavirus
What are the two complications of gastroenteritis?
Dehydration and metabolic acidosis
What type of fluids should be administered for gastroenteritis? What if they have diarrhea and vomiting?
Isotonic fluids, potentially boluses
Intermittent hypertonic IV solutions
What are the 6 signs and symptoms of gastroenteritis?
diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, lethargy, weight loss, fever
What is the sodium and glucose requirements for oral rehydration therapy?
50 mmol/L sodium and 20 g/L glucose
What is the prescribed oral rehydration therapy for children with mild/moderate dehydration?
50-100 mL/kg of ORS over 4 hours
What two markers indicate that rehydration has been adequate?
No longer feels thirsty and has normal urine output
Define hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
Circular muscle of the pylorus becomes hypertrophied, causing thickness in the luminal side of the pyloric canal
This thickness creates a gastric outlet obstruction, causing non bilious vomiting that presents between 3-6 weeks of life
When does hypertrophic pyloric stenosis develop in NB?
3-6 weeks of life
How is hypertrophic pyloric stenosis treated?
requires surgical intervention - pyloromyotomy to cut the muscle to relieve the obstruction
Will patients be NPO with hypertrophic stenosis?
Yes, until after surgery
What are the five signs and symptoms of hypertrophic stenosis?
forceful nonbilious vomiting unrelated to feeding position, hunger soon after vomiting, weight loss due to vomiting, progressive dehydration with subsequent lethargy, possible positive family hx
On palpation, what will hypertrophic stenosis feel like?
Will feel an olive-shaped mass in the RUQ of abdomen due to hypertrophy
Why would we put sucrose drops on a soother or nipple?
To help soothe pain, not for hypoglycaemia
What are the four nursing management for hypertrophic stenosis?
- fluid management and correcting electrolyte values
- provide emotional support
- teach about surgical procedure and post-op
- PO feedings after 1-2 days post-op
Will WBCs be elevated in pyloric stenosis?
yes
Define acute appendicitis
An inflammation and obstruction of the blind sac at the end of the cecum
What is the peak incidence of appendicitis?
10-12 years
What is the most common surgical disease in children?
Appendicitis
What are 7 signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis?
mid abdominal cramps and diffuse tenderness, RLQ pain, guarding and rebound tenderness, nausea and vomiting, anorexia, low-grade fever, later will complain of lethargy/irritability/constipation
What is McBurney’s point?
RLQ pinpoint of appendicitis pain
What is the most common complication of appendicitis?
Peritonitis from rupture
What are the 5 symptoms of peritonitis?
fever, abdominal distention and rigidity, sudden relief of pain, decreased bowel sounds, nausea and vomiting
What are two possible complications of appendicitis?
ischemic bowel and post-op infection
What is the treatment of peritonitis?
- use of 2 antibiotics (combination of cephalosporins)
- abdominal wash-out surgery
- potential bowel resection
- longer hospital stay
How is appendicitis managed pre-op?
position child in side-lying/semi-fowler, IV fluids to prevent dehydration, NPO, antibiotics
Will heat be applied for appendicitis pain relief?
NEVER apply heat to the abdomen as it may cause it to rupture
Define necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)
An inflammatory disease of the bowel which can cause ischemic and necrotic injury in the GI tract
What are the mortality rates of NEC?
up to 50%
What is the usual age range for NEC?
3-12 days of life but may occur weeks later in NBs
What 4 pathological mechanisms may lead to NEC?
Bowel hypoxic ischemia events, perinatal stressors, immature intestinal barrier, abnormal bacterial colonization, formula feeding
What are the first three primary signs of NEC?
Feeding intolerance, abdominal distention, and bloody stools in infants receiving enteral feedings
As NEC worsens, infants develop sepsis which has what signs/symptoms?
resp distress, temperature instability, lethargy, hypotension, oliguria
What 8 things may be done to improve GI function and reduce risk of NEC?
Enteral antibiotics, parenteral fluids, monitoring tolerance of enteral feeds, oral immune therapy, human milk feedings, antenatal corticosteroids, enteral probiotics, slow continuous drip feedings
Why are antenatal corticosteroids administered to reduce NEC? Which pregnancy types will specifically receive it?
Antenatal corticosteroids are helpful in those who are for sure going to have a preterm baby
Betamethasone will be given to help improve lung function in these preterm babes
Are ostomies permanent in NEC babies?
No, their bodies will typically bounce back
What type of antibiotic will NEC babies be given?
Typically broad spectrum such as ceftriaxone
what labs will be used to assess progression of NEC?
serial kidney, ureter, and bladder (KUB) x-rays and CRP levels
What is omeprazole? What is it used for?
Proton pump inhibitor, antacid, treatment of ulcers
Treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers, treatment of heartburn or symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux
How should omeprazole be timed with feeds?
30 minutes before feeds
What medication has cautious use for children <1 mo
omeprazole
What is dimenhydrinate? What is it used for?
Antiemetic
Motion sickness, N/V, vertigo, post-op N/V
Does dimenhydrinate or ondansetron cause drowsiness?
Dimenhydrinate
What is ondansetron? What is it used for?
Treatment of nausea
Acute gastroenteritis, chemotherapy-induced N/V, post-op N/V
How do we differentiate burns?
Based on the depth of tissue destruction
What degree of burn is a superficial burn ?
1st degree
How long do superficial burns take to heal? What symptoms are babies and infants at high risk for?
3-5 days without scarring
Increased risk for severe N/V and fluid imbalance
Describe a superficial partial thickness burn and its degree
thin-walled fluid-filled blisters that develop within minutes
2nd degree
How long do superficial partial thickness burns take to heal? Is there usually scarring?
3-5 weeks with scar formation being unusual
Describe a deep partial thickness burn and its degree. Is there scarring?
Waxy white burns that take weeks to heal
2nd degree and typically results in hypertrophic scarring
What type of burn may require antibiotics, skin grafting, or surgery?
Deep partial thickness burns
What area of the body is skin taken from for grafting?
Thigh
Describe a full thickness burn and its degree
Dry, leathery appearance from loss of elasticity to the dermis
3rd degree
What is an escharotomy and what type of burn is it performed on?
They release pressure and prevent compartment syndrome in areas where swelling prevents adequate circulation
What are general symptoms associated with compartment syndrome created by burns?
altered perfusion, tingling, changes in sensation, altered cap refill, altered CSM, and increased pain
What is the rule of 9s?
Estimation of burn injury - add together the areas of the body experiencing the burn to get a total %
What type of fluid will be given to burn victims and at what temp?
Warmed IV RL
What are the five general focuses for nursing management of burns?
fluid resuscitation, prevention of hypothermia, promoting oxygenation/ventilation, wound care and infection prevention, and restoration of function
Why are children at increased risk of hypothermia when burned?
Excessive heat loss can occur due to loss of protective dermal layer
Should we pop or preserve burn blisters?
Never pop
What time window is critical for fluid management in burn victims?
first 24 hours