L3: Resp dysfunction Flashcards
Explain how age can influence resp infection
- After 3m infant’s maternal antibodies decrease so they are more at risk for infection.
- Toddlers and preschoolers are at risk bc they are exposed more.
- Some agents affect younger children more severely.
Explain how resp anatomy size can affect resp infection
- Smaller resp system means that agents can travel down the resp tract faster.
Explain how infection resistance can affect resp infection
The child’s resistance to infection
- inc resistance in breastfed babies
- dec resistance in babies exposed to 2nd hand smoking.
- dec resistance in babies with certain illnesses
Explain how season change can affect resp infection
Resp Infection is more common in winter and spring seasons
Why are children more susceptible to ear infections
In children the ear canal is horizontal so fluids are less likely to drain (into throat) and they will cause bacteria growth
Common symptoms of resp infection
- Fever (after 6m)
- Meningismus
- Anorexia
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- abd pain
- cough
- sore throat
- nasal block/ discharge
- Resp sounds
What is nasopharyngitis
Nasopharyngitis AKA “common cold”
Symptoms last ~10 days
Treatment:
- Rest is recommended
Tylenol and OTC meds for discomfort
Stay hydrated. Humidifiers may be beneficial
Cough suppressing meds are not recommended bc coughing is a way to get mucus out. However, they are recommended for dry coughs at night so kid can get some sleep.
Monitor for adverse effects
Parents should not give antihistamines bc they will not work
Fever varies with the age of the child.
Home management varies with age.
Anti body therapy will be considered if bacterial (not viral) infection arises
Prevention: There is no effective vaccine Avoiding contact with infected Hand hygiene Like COVID preventions
Caused by numerous viruses:
- RSV, rhinovirus, adenovirus, influenza, and para-influenza viruses
What is acute streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat)
Caused by a Group A -hemolytic streptococci (GABHS) infection
80-90% cases are viral
Symptoms:
Very abrupt symptoms
Can be mild are severe
Characterized by fever, Nasophyringitis, abdominal pain, and headaches
- Risk of Rheumatic fever (RF) / Acute glomerulo-nephreritis (AGN)
Diagnosis:
Throat culture rapid test should be done to rule out Group AB hemolytic streptococcus and strep AB
Treatment:
Oral Penicillin within 10 days after diagnosis. Usually starts working after 24hrs. This is more recommended than IM Benzathine Penicillin G bc of IM injections are more painful
- Oral Erythromycin if child is allergic to penicillin.
Parents should be educated on how to use antibiotics properly
Cold/warm compress may provide relief
Gargling salt and water may provide throat relief
Pain medication is recommended
Keep hydrate
Children is non-infection after 24hrs of antibiotic therapy
Pt education
Discard toothbrush after recovery
Antibiotic use (do not stop until prescription is complete)
Disinfect area
what is Influenza
More severe in winter and in young children
Incubation is 1-3 days
Symptoms: may be subclinical, mild, moderate to severe Dry throat Flush face Photophobia Fatigue with fever and chills
Treatment:
No antibiotic bc it is viral
Control symptoms
Prevention:
Vaccine
Otitis media
Signs and symptoms:
- Ear ache
- fussy
- restless
- discharge
- fever
- Hearing loss if chronic
Diagnosis
- Visual inspection of the tympanic membrane: discoloured, immobile, bulging, inflamed
- C & S: if drainage present
Treatment:
Antibiotic is usually given if not recovered by follow up.
Myringotomy: is a surgical procedure to drain ear fluid if a further complication arises
Vaccines
NSG considerations: 5 key points
- Treating pain (pain meds can be used for children 6 months or older.)
- Drainage
- Prevent complication or reoccurrence
- Pt education
- Provide emotional support
Tonsillitis
Younger children have more tonsils tissue than adults. Because of the abundant lymphoid tissue and the frequency of upper respiratory infections, tonsillitis is a common cause of illness in young children.
Causes:
- The causative agent may be viral or bacterial
Group A -hemolytic strep (Streptococcus)
Serious sequelae if untreated (RF , AGN)
Symptoms:
- Breathing restriction bc of inflamed tonsils
Diagnosis
Marked enlargement of the palatine tonsils (“kissing” tonsils)
Throat culture to check for bacteria
Important to differentiate bw viral or bacterial to avoid unnecessary antibiotics
Treatment:
Antibiotics
- Tonsillectomy: If child has reoccurring tonsilitis they remove tonsilsProvide comfort and minimize activity
Cool mist vaporizer
Hard candy to increase saliva
Pain med
Opioids no longer recommended for children under 12yo
NSG alert
After tonsillectomy
if child keeps swallowing while sleeping that means there is bleeding. Nurse needs to notify surgeon immediately.
Vomit will be dark brown and may have old blood in it. Notify parents of this so that they are not concerned
Child is placed on side/abdomen when asleep to rid them of secretions. Routine suction is avoided to prevent trauma.
Children are sat up when awake. Secretions and vomit needs to be inspected for fresh bleeding.
Pain medication. Commonly given rectally or IV
Antiemetic for vomiting
Avoid foods with red colouring so we don’t mistake it for blood
Infectious mononucleosis
An acute, self-limiting infectious disease that is common among adolescents.
Causes:
- The herpes-like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the only cause
- Characterized by an increase in the mononuclear elements of the blood and by general symptoms of an infectious process.
Symptoms:
Usually mild but occasionally can be severe. Rarely, accompanied by serious complications.
- Edema
Treatment:
- No specific treatment exists for infectious mononucleosis.
Relieve the symptoms, manage headache, fever & malaise
Limit food intake to manage pain. Milkshake instead of solid food.
Limit exposure to only family
Inspect airway for edema to avoid airway compromise
Teach pt to seek help if asap:
Difficult breathing
Severe pain that child cannot drink
Abd pain
Croup syndromes
Not one condition but a group of illnesses
Symptoms:
- Characterized by bark cough, inspiratory stridor, and varying degrees of respiratory distress
- affect larynx, trachea, and bronchi
Epiglottitis / Laryngotracheobronchitis (LTB)
Laryngitis / Tracheitis
Prevention and cause
With widespread immunization programs (H. influenza B), the cause of most cases of croup syndrome in Canada is now attributed to viruses (i.e., parainfluenza virus, human meta-pneumovirus, influenza types A and B, adenovirus, and measles).
Kids are more at risk bc of smaller airways.
Croup: Acute epiglottitis
Common in infants and toddler, rare after 7yrs
Prevention:
Incidence is dropping due to preventive vaccines
Caused by:
H. influenza & S. pneumonia (most common); Staphylococcus aureus, Hemophilus parainfluenza
Symptoms:
Sore throat, pain, tripod positioning, retractions, fever
Frog-like croaking sound on inspiration / Tripot position
Obstruction of airway can lead to death
Treatment
Potential for respiratory obstruction / ABCD assessment
Considered a medical emergency
Examination of throat with depressed tongue is avoided until proper treatment equipment is available. Examination can further obstruct airway
Swelling will decrease after 24hrs of antibiotis and will disappear after 3rd day
Nursing care considerations
Act quickly and calmy
Reassure pts
Position pt to what is more comfortable
What are the 4 D of diagnosis for acute epiglottitis
Dyspnea
drooling
dysphonia: speaking
dysphagia
Croup: acute laryngotracheobronchitis (LTB)
Most common of the croup syndromes
Generally affects children under 5 years
Caused by:
RSV, human metapneumovirus, parainfluenza virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, influenza A and B
Does not occur with acute epiglottitis
Symptoms:
Croup cough
Hypoxia
Resp distress > resp acidosis, death
Treatment Airway management Hydration (oral or IV) Nebulizer to reduce inflammation If stable, Infants can be treated on parents lap for comfort.
Early signs:
Breathing difficulty
Restlessness
