Lewis Ch 26 upper respiratory problem Flashcards
nose, sinuses, pharynx, and larynx
upper respiratory system, including
is a deflection of the normally straight nasal septum
Deviated septum
Trauma to the nose, either at birth or later in life, is the
most common cause of deviated septum.
both airflow and sinus drainage through the narrowed passageway.
Deviated septum can interfere with
asymptomatic to nasal congestion and frequent sinus infections
Minor septal deviations can range from
facial pain, nosebleeds (epistaxis), and obstruction to nasal breathing.
Manifestations of severe septal deviation include
focuses on symptom control.
-nasal inflammation and congestion, use saline rinses and decongestants to clear nasal passages and analgesics for pain relief
medical management of minor septal deviation
, a nasal septoplasty, done under local or general anesthetic, reconstructs and properly aligns the deviated septum.
severe septal deviation medical management
is the most common facial fracture and the third most common fracture of any bone
Nasal fracture
often occur from blunt trauma, including fights, automobile accidents, falls, and sports injuries.
cause Nasal fracture
(e.g., impacted, comminuted) or based on direction of injury (e.g., lateral, frontal)
classify nasal fractures according to the fracture pattern
may be unilateral or bilateral and typically have little or no displacement.
Simple fractures
complex fractures, which may involve damage to adjacent facial structures, such as the teeth or eyes.
Powerful frontal blows can cause
for injury to the cervical spine, orbital bone, or mandible.
Patients with complex nasal fractures should be evaluated
Complications include airway obstruction, nosebleeds, meningeal tears causing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, septal hematoma, and cosmetic deformity
Patients with complex nasal fractures complications
nosebleed, localized pain, crepitus on palpation, swelling, difficulty breathing out of the nostrils, and bruising.
nasal fractures manifestations
Periorbital bruising involving both eyes is called raccoon eyes. It suggests a basilar skull fracture
raccoon eyes
Clear or pink-tinged persistent drainage after control of bleeding
suggests a possible CSF leak
Checking this fluid for glucose at the bedside to help confirm the presence of CSF is not recommended because the result is highly unreliable.
Glucose on CSF leak (NOT reliable)
If needed, send a specimen to the laboratory to determine the fluid type.
Determine if its CSF leak
maintain a patent airway, reduce edema and pain, prevent complications, and provide emotional support
Goals of nursing management are to (nasal fracture)
best way to maintain the airway is to keep the patient sitting upright. Apply ice to the face and nose in 10- to 20-minute intervals to help reduce edema and bleeding. Give analgesia as ordered to control pain. Acetaminophen is preferred over nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetylsalicylic acid (ASA; aspirin) for the first 48 hours to avoid prolonging clotting time and increasing the risk for bleeding. Nasal stuffiness may be relieved with nasal decongestants, saline nasal sprays, and a humidifier. The patient should avoid hot showers and alcohol for the first 48 hours to prevent an increase in swelling. Encourage the patient to quit or decrease smoking to help tissue healing.
Medical management for nasal fracture
using closed or open reduction
fracture is confirmed, the goals are to realign the fracture
are often reduced with manual manipulation.
Simple fractures (management)
, considerable swelling of soft tissues occurs. It may be necessary to wait to repair the fracture until after the edema subsides, which may be 5 to 10 days. Antibiotics should be considered for any nasal fracture with disruption to the mucosa.
With complex nasal fractures (management)
include septoplasty and rhinoplasty
Surgical options for nasal fractures
is done to correct a deviated septum
Septoplasty (surgery indication)
improve airway function when trauma or developmental deformities result in nasal obstruction or for cosmetic reasons.
rhinoplasty (surgery indication)
Both procedures help maintain a patent airway, restore function of the nose, and help reestablish the patient’s cosmetic appearance. The presence of septal hematoma increases the patient’s risk for deformity and infection, which may require drainage and antibiotic therapy.
septoplasty and rhinoplasty improve
, assess the patient’s expectations of the surgery.
rhinoplasty patients before surgery
HCP can use digital photographs to show patients their projected appearance after surgery. These images can help patients decide whether to undergo rhinoplasty
rhinoplasty (shown after pic before surgery)
is an outpatient procedure using regional or general anesthesia. Nasal tissue is added or removed, and the nose may be lengthened or shortened
Most rhinoplasty (process of surgery)
Plastic implants are sometimes used to reshape the nose. Incisions are typically inside the nose and hidden.
rhinoplasty (tool w/in surgery)
incorporates the use of an ultrasonic device to gently aspirate bone, enabling a refined cosmetic result
Sonic rhinoplasty (sculpts & allows for precision of nose)
, nasal packing may be inserted to apply pressure and prevent bleeding or septal hematoma formation.
-An external plastic splint protects and supports the new shape of the nose during the healing process.
-If present, nasal packing is usually removed 1 or 2 days after surgery.
-The splint may be left in place for 1 to 2 weeks.
After rhinoplasty surgery
Aspirin-containing drugs and NSAIDs may need to be stopped for 5 days to 2 weeks preoperatively to reduce the risk for bleeding. Encourage smoking cessation to promote postoperative wound healing
Before surgery rhinoplasty requirements
(1) ensuring patency of the airway,
(2) continuous assessment of respiratory status,
(3) monitoring for airway obstruction,
(4) pain management,
(5) observation of the surgical site for edema, bleeding, and signs and symptoms of infection.
During the immediate postoperative period rhinoplasty, nursing interventions include
patient typically has temporary nasal and/or facial edema and bruising.
- Cold compresses and elevation of the head can help minimize swelling and discomfort. Teach about activity restrictions aimed at preventing bleeding and injury (no nose blowing, swimming, heavy lifting, strenuous exercise).
-Sometimes swelling may be slow to resolve, delaying the achievement of a full cosmetic result for up to 1 year.
Teaching/ expectations after rhinoplasty
most often occurs in adults over age 50
Epistaxis (nosebleed)
by trauma, hypertension, low humidity, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, sinusitis, foreign bodies, chemical irritants (e.g., street drugs), overuse of decongestant nasal sprays, facial or nasal surgery, anatomic malformation, and tumors
Nosebleeds can be caused
if the patient takes aspirin, NSAIDs, warfarin, or other anticoagulant drugs.
enhancement of Bleeding caused by
in the anterior part of the nasal cavity and are easily visualized.
- Anterior bleeding can be self-treated and usually stops spontaneously.
About 90% of nosebleeds (location and management)
more often with older adults secondary to other health problems (e.g., hypertension). Since posterior nosebleeds are closer to the throat, it is often hard to determine how much blood loss has occurred. Posterior bleeding may need medical treatment.
Posterior bleeding occurs
(1) place the patient in a sitting position, leaning slightly forward with head tilted forward;
(2) apply direct pressure by squeezing the entire soft lower part of the nose (nostrils) together for 5 to 15 minutes; and
(3) reassure and calm the patient. If bleeding does not stop within 15 minutes, seek medical assistance.
simple first aid measures to control nosebleeds
,a pledget (nasal tampon) impregnated with anesthetic solution (lidocaine) and/or vasoconstrictive agents (epinephrine) may be placed into the nasal cavity.
- Absorbable materials, such as oxidized cellulose (surgical), gelatin foam (Gelfoam), or a gelatin-thrombin combination (Floseal), are another option.
-Packing for anterior bleeds can stay in place for 48 to 72 hours.
-Silver nitrate may be used to chemically cauterize a specific bleeding point.
-Thermal cauterization is reserved for more severe bleeding and may require the use of local or general anesthesia
anterior bleeds medical management
often need packing. Packing with compressed nasal sponges (e.g., Merocel) or epistaxis balloons (e.g., Rapid Rhino) is preferred over the use of traditional Vaseline ribbon gauze because of the ease of placement.
-Packing is inserted into the nares and advanced along the floor of the nasal cavity. The sponge expands with moisture to fill the nasal cavity and tamponade bleeding.
-The epistaxis balloon is inflated with air to achieve the same pressure effect
- In the absence of a specific nasal device, a size 10F, 12F, or 14F Foley catheter with a 30-mL balloon may be used.
-A nasal sling (folded 2 × 2–inch gauze pad) may be gently taped under the nares to absorb drainage. If packing does not stop the bleeding, arterial embolization may be needed.
Posterior bleeds medical management
can impair respiratory status
-Closely monitor the level of consciousness, heart rate and rhythm, respiratory rate, and O2 saturation (SpO2) using pulse oximetry. Observe for any signs of difficulty breathing or swallowing
Nasal sponges, packing, and balloons ALERT
Nasal packing is painful because sufficient pressure must be applied to stop the bleeding. The patient should receive appropriate analgesia. Nasal packing predisposes patients to infection from bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus) present in the nasal cavity. Antibiotics effective against staphylococci may be prescribed.
Nasal packing for posterior bleeds may be left in place for 2 to 3 days. Before removal, pre-medicate the patient for pain because this procedure is uncomfortable. After packing removal, cleanse the nares gently and lubricate them with water-soluble jelly.
Downside of Nasal packing
Review how to use saline nasal spray and/or a humidifier.
-Have the patient sneeze with the mouth open and avoid the use of aspirin-containing products or NSAIDs.
-Teach the patient to avoid vigorous nose blowing, engaging in strenuous activity, and lifting and straining for 4 to 6 weeks.
Teaching before discharge for person with posterior bleeding
is inflammation of the nasal mucosa, often in response to a specific allergen
Allergic rhinitis
can be classified according to the causative allergen (seasonal or perennial/ last long time) or the frequency of symptoms (episodic, intermittent, or persistent).
classification of Allergic rhinitis
refers to symptoms related to sporadic exposure to allergens not typically encountered in the patient’s normal environment, such as exposure to animal dander when visiting another person’s home.
Episodic (allergens)
means that the symptoms are present less than 4 days a week or less than 4 weeks per year.
Intermittent (allergens)
means that symptoms are present more than 4 days a week and for more than 4 weeks per year.
Persistent (allergens)
usually occurs in the spring and fall
Seasonal rhinitis (timing/ocurs)
It is caused by allergy to pollens from trees, flowers, grasses, or weeds
causes of Seasonal rhinitis
Attacks may last for several weeks during times when pollen counts are high; then it disappears and often recurs at the same time the next year
Seasonal rhinitis (duration)
occurs year-round from exposure to environmental allergens, such as animal dander, dust mites, cockroaches, fungi, and molds. Both seasonal and perennial rhinitis can be classified as episodic, intermittent, or persistent, depending on the duration and frequency of symptoms.
Perennial rhinitis
as episodic, intermittent, or persistent, depending on the duration and frequency of symptoms
Both seasonal and perennial rhinitis can be classified
with initial allergen exposure, which results in the production of antigen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE)
Sensitization to an allergen occurs
mast cells and basophils release histamine, cytokines, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes.
After exposure (process/ pathophysiology)
cause the early symptoms of sneezing, itching, rhinorrhea, and congestion 4 to 8 hours after exposure, inflammatory cells infiltrate the nasal tissues, causing and maintaining the inflammatory response. Because symptoms of rhinitis are like those of the common cold, the patient may think the condition is a continuous or repeated cold.
After exposure (process/ pathophysiology)
are sneezing; watery, itchy eyes and nose; decreased sense of smell; and thin, watery nasal discharge that can lead to a more sustained mucus production and nasal congestion.
-Nasal turbinates appear pale, boggy, and swollen.
Manifestations of allergic rhinitis
appear pale, boggy, and swollen. The turbinates may fill the air space and press against the nasal septum. The posterior ends of the turbinates can become so enlarged that they obstruct sinus aeration or drainage and result in sinusitis.
Nasal turbinates (effect of allergic rhinitis)
, the patient may develop a headache, stuffy nose, nasal congestion, and sinus pressure
chronic exposure to allergens
are the most common causes of cough. The patient may report hoarseness and the need to frequently clear the throat
Nasal polyps and postnasal drip
are the first-line and most effective treatment for allergic rhinitis.
Nasal corticosteroid sprays
H1-antihistamines, decongestants, and leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs)
oral medication ( allergic rhinitis.)
Blocks nasal cholinergic receptors, reducing nasal secretions in the common cold and nonallergic rhinitis.
Nasal Spray/ anticholinergic
ipratropium bromide (Atrovent)
Nasal dryness and irritation, nosebleeds may occur. Does not cause systemic side effects.
-May reduce the need for other rhinitis medications.
Nasal Spray/ anticholinergic
ipratropium bromide (Atrovent)-side effect
brompheniramine
chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
clemastine (Tavist)
dexchlorpheniramine
diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
First-Generation Agents (Oral)/ Anti-histamine
Cross blood-brain barrier, often causing sedation and somnolence.
Can cause paradoxic stimulation (restlessness, nervousness, insomnia).
Anticholinergic side effects (e.g., palpitations, dry mouth, constipation, urinary hesitancy).
First-Generation Agents (Oral)/ Anti-histamine side effect
Warn patient that operating machinery and driving may be dangerous because of sedative effect.
• Teach patient to report palpitations, change in heart rate, change in bowel or bladder habits.
• Teach patient not to use alcohol with antihistamines because of additive depressant effect.
• Rapid onset of action, no drug tolerance with prolonged use.
First-Generation Agents (Oral)/ Anti-histamine Considerations
cetirizine (Zyrtec)
desloratadine (Clarinex)
fexofenadine (Allegra)
levocetirizine (Xyzal)
loratadine (Claritin)
Second-Generation Agents (Oral)/ Anti-histamine
Limited affinity for brain H1 receptors. Cause minimal sedation, few effects on psychomotor activities or bladder function.
Second-Generation Agents (Oral)/ Anti-histamine Side effect
• Teach patient to expect few, if any, side effects.
• More expensive than traditional antihistamines.
• Rapid onset of action, no drug tolerance with prolonged use.
Second-Generation Agents (Oral)/ Anti-histamine consideration
azelastine (Astelin)
olopatadine (Patanase)
Second-Generation Agents (Intranasal)/Anti-histamine
Headache, bitter taste, somnolence, nasal irritation.
- Longer use increases risk for rebound vasodilation, which can increase congestion
Second-Generation Agents (Intranasal)/Anti-histamine side effects
• Tolerance variable.
• Advise patient of adverse reactions.
• Patient to inform HCP if preexisting cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, glaucoma, benign prostatic hyperplasia, hepatic or renal disease present before starting therapy.
• Rebound nasal congestion may occur with chronic overusage.
Decongestants (Oral)
pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) Nursing actions
before first-generation antihistamines because of their nonsedating effects
Second-generation antihistamines are used
such as an oral H1-antihistamine and an intranasal corticosteroid, may be helpful.
If monotherapy does not relieve symptoms, a 2-drug combination,
drowsiness and sedation.
• Warn patients that operating machinery and driving may be dangerous because of the sedative effect.
First-generation antihistamines (e.g., chlorpheniramine [Chlor-Trimeton]) can cause
Large doses may cause tachycardia and palpitations, especially in patients with heart disease.
• Overdose in those over 60 years of age may result in central nervous system depression, seizures, and hallucinations.
Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)/ DRUG ALERT
may be used when a specific, unavoidable allergen is identified, and drugs are not tolerated or are ineffective in controlling symptoms.
Immunotherapy (allergy shots)
controlled exposure to small amounts of the known allergen through frequent (at least weekly) injections with the goal of decreasing sensitivity.
Immunotherapy involves
may an option for select patients.
Sublingual or intranasal administration of allergen immunotherapy
is an infection of the upper respiratory tract.
- most prevalent infectious disease
Acute viral rhinopharyngitis (nasopharyngitis, common cold)
the coronavirus and are mild and self-limiting. Other viruses, such as human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and enterovirus, can cause a common cold.
common cold caused by
viruses are contagious. They spread by airborne droplets emitted by the infected person while breathing, talking, sneezing, or coughing
Acute viral rhinopharyngitis / common cold
can survive on inanimate objects for up to 3 days, transmission also occurs by direct hand contact. Frequency of the infection increases in winter months when people stay indoors and overcrowding is more common. Other factors that increase susceptibility include fatigue, physical and emotional stress, allergies affecting the nose and throat, and a compromised immune status.
cautious/ causes of common cold viruses
Exercise
reduce the number of upper respiratory tract infections
typically begin 2 or 3 days after infection. They may include runny nose, watery eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing, cough, sore throat, fever, headache, and fatigue. Patients are contagious 1 to 2 days before symptom onset and remain contagious until symptoms have subsided. Symptoms may last 2 to 14 days, with typical recovery in 7 to 10 days
Symptoms Acute viral rhinopharyngitis / common cold
may slightly reduce the incidence of the common cold.
-does not appear to reduce the duration of a common cold.
-used on a short-term basis in recommended doses
- Caution patients with autoimmune disorders or a tendency toward allergic reactions about using this herb.
Echinacea
oral zinc (e.g., lozenges, tablets, syrup) and intranasal zinc (e.g., swabs, gels).
-given within 24 hrs of onset of symptoms, zinc lozenges may reduce the duration of cold symptoms
Zinc is available in 2 forms:
Rest, oral fluids, antipyretics, and analgesics
interventions to relieve common cold symptoms
Warm salt water gargles, ice chips, lozenges, or sprays may help ease a sore throat. Petroleum jelly soothes a raw nose.
Saline nasal spray reduces nasal congestion.
interventions to relieve common cold symptoms
reduce postnasal drip and decreases the severity of cough, nasal obstruction, and nasal discharge.
Antihistamine and decongestant therapy
Saline nasal spray
reduces nasal congestion.
Petroleum jelly
soothes a raw nose
for no more than 3 days to prevent rebound congestion from occurring.
Caution patients to use intranasal decongestant sprays
include acute bronchitis, sinusitis, otitis media, tonsillitis, and pneumonia
Complications of Acute viral rhinopharyngitis
They are an option only if complications are present. Refer to an HCP if there is no improvement in symptoms within 10 to 14 days.
Teach patients to recognize the manifestations of a secondary bacterial infection, such as a temperature higher than 103° F (39.4° C); tender, swollen glands; severe sinus or ear pain; or significantly worsening symptoms. Green, purulent nasal drainage during the later stages of a cold is not uncommon and not always indicative of bacterial infection.
Antibiotics have no effect on viruses.
is a highly contagious respiratory illness that causes significant morbidity and mortality.
Influenza (flu)
begins in September and continues through April of each year, peaking between December to February.
Influenza (flu)
(A, B, C, D). Only A and B cause significant illness in humans.
classify influenza viruses into 4 serotypes
is subtyped based on the presence of 2 surface proteins: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N).
Influenza A (2 surface proteins)
The H antigens enable the virus to enter the cell, and the N antigens facilitate cell-to-cell transmission. As a result, we name influenza A viruses according to their H and N type (e.g., H3N2).
Influenza A (pathophysiology)
is the most common and most virulent flu virus
Influenza A
are found in birds (avian flu), pigs (swine flu), horses, seals, and dogs.
influenza A in animals
virus mutates (changes), this allows it to infect different species. When a new viral strain reaches humans, people do not have immunity and the virus can spread quickly around the globe, causing a pandemic
pathology of how influenza transmitted to humans
are more localized outbreaks, often occurring yearly, caused by variants of already circulating strains of the influenza virus.
Epidemics (influenza)
Influenza B and C viruses only infect humans
influenza virus that only infect humans
regional epidemics, but the disease it produces is milder than that caused by influenza A
Outbreaks of influenza B can cause
mild illness and does not cause epidemics or pandemics.
Influenza C causes
only occurs in animals.
Influenza D
is communicable between humans primarily through infected droplets, inhalation of aerosolized particles, and, to a lesser extent, through direct contact with contaminated surfaces.
Influenza (transmission)
virus incubation period of 1 to 4 days, with peak transmission risk starting 1 day before onset of symptoms and continuing for 5 to 7 days after a person first becomes sick
Influenza (duration)
onset of flu is abrupt. There may be chills, fever, and generalized myalgia, often accompanied by a headache, cough, sore throat, and fatigue. Assessment findings are usually minimal, with normal breath sounds on chest auscultation. In uncomplicated cases, symptoms often subside within 7 days.
Influenza signs &symptoms
pneumonia, which can be either primary influenza [viral] pneumonia or secondary bacterial pneumonia, and ear or sinus infections. Dyspnea and diffuse crackles are signs of pulmonary complications. Some patients, especially older adults, have weakness or lethargy that may last for weeks.
Common complications Influenza include
usually has gradual improvement of influenza symptoms, then worsening cough and purulent sputum. Treatment with antibiotics is usually effective if started early.
secondary bacterial pneumonia (complication of influenza)
Viral cultures, once considered the
gold standard for diagnosing influenza
a throat swab, nasopharyngeal swab, expectorated sputum, ET tube sample, or bronchoscopy (bronchial wash).
obtain a viral culture from