peds: respiratory + URI-Croup Flashcards
How does the respiratory tract differ in children?
It is continuously maturing, with narrow, funnel-shaped airways and less rigid cartilage.
At what age do the sphenoid and maxillary sinuses develop?
Between ages 3-7 years.
Why do children have enlarged tonsillar tissue?
Due to rapid growth of the lymphatic system.
What anatomical factors increase a child’s risk of airway obstruction?
Smaller nares, prone positioning, narrow airway, and lax cartilage.
Why are infants more prone to respiratory distress?
They are obligatory nasal breathers with less smooth muscle and fewer bronchospasms.
What are key factors to assess in a child’s respiratory status?
Cough, respiratory rate and depth, retractions, restlessness, cyanosis, clubbing, adventitious sounds, chest diameter, and chest pain.
What do arterial blood gases (ABGs) measure?
Oxygenation, acid-base balance, and ventilation.
Why are ABGs important in pediatric respiratory assessment?
They help diagnose illnesses, plan care, and monitor treatment.
What are common lab tests and diagnostics for respiratory conditions?
Pulse oximetry, nasopharyngeal culture, sputum analysis, pulmonary function studies, and chest radiography.
What respiratory therapeutics are used in children?
Humidification, inhalation devices (nebulizers, MDIs w/spacers), coughing, chest physiotherapy, airway-clearing devices, oxygen administration, and incentive spirometry, pharmacologic therapies, tracheostomy
What pharmacologic therapies are used for pediatric respiratory conditions?
Various medications, depending on the condition, including bronchodilators, steroids, and mucolytics.
How many upper respiratory infections (URIs) do children typically get per year?
8-12 times per year due to new exposures.
What is the most common cause of nasopharyngitis?
Viral infections.
How long does a common cold typically last?
7-10 days.
What are the key symptoms of nasopharyngitis?
Nasal congestion, watery rhinitis, low-grade fever, cough, sore throat, and swollen cervical lymph nodes.
What are risk factors for nasopharyngitis?
School/daycare attendance.
What nursing interventions are recommended for nasopharyngitis?
Supportive care, fever control, nasal saline for infants, cool-mist humidifier, and educating on the ineffectiveness of children’s cold medications.
What is pharyngitis?
Infection and inflammation of the throat.
What are common causes of pharyngitis?
Viral infections (most common) and bacterial infections like Group A Streptococcus.
What are the symptoms of bacterial pharyngitis?
Sudden onset, white exudate in tonsillar crypts, petechiae, headache, stomachache, and rash.
What are risk factors for pharyngitis?
Winter season, ages 5-15 years, and exposure to Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus.
What nursing interventions are recommended for pharyngitis?
Supportive care, antipyretics, warm water gargles, antibiotics for bacterial infections, hydration, nutrition, and infection control.
What is epistaxis?
A nosebleed, often caused by trauma or irritation.
What are risk factors for epistaxis?
Dry air, untrimmed nails, strenuous exercise, history of allergic rhinitis.
How should epistaxis be managed?
Keep the child upright, tilt head forward, apply pressure, avoid blowing the nose, and minimize stress.
When should a nosebleed be referred to a healthcare provider?
If it lasts longer than 20 minutes, interferes with breathing, leads to vomiting, is associated with high blood pressure, easy bruising, or injury.
What is laryngotracheobronchitis (croup)?
Inflammation of the larynx, trachea, and major bronchi, usually caused by a viral infection (parainfluenza).
What are risk factors for croup?
Ages 6 months - 3 years, fall/winter season, and underlying airway conditions.
What are the key symptoms of croup?
Barking cough (usually at night), inspiratory stridor, and retractions.
What nursing interventions are recommended for croup?
Inhaled/nebulized corticosteroids, oral corticosteroids, humidified air, and fluids.
