Pertussis

Question 1

What is pertussis?

Answer 1

It is an acute respiratory disorder characterized by paroxysmal cough (whooping cough) and copious secretions

Question 2

What are the s/s?

Answer 2

• cold and cough progressing to paroxysmal coughing spells
• During the paroxysms, the child might cough 10 to 30 times in a row, followed by a whooping sound. This might be accompanied by redness in the face, progressive cyanosis, and protrusion of the tongue.
• Saliva, mucus, and tears flow from the mouth, nose, and eyes

Question 3

What age is the highest incidence for this disease?

Answer 3

The highest incidence and the greatest risk for severe disease and death are seen in children younger than 1 year of age

Question 4

What is the incubation period?

Answer 4

6-21 days, usually 7-10 days of cold symptoms

Question 5

What are the complications of pertussis if not treated?

Answer 5

• hypoxia
• apnea
• pneumonia
• seizures
• encephalopathy
• death

Question 6

What are the nursing management/Treatments?

Answer 6

Tx:
- younger than 1 month: use azithromycin and avoid erythromycin and clarithromycin
- older than 1 month age: erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin
- older than 2 months: trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ)
- pertussis vaccine

Interventions:
- providing a high-humidity environment and frequent suctioning to mobilize secretions. Observe for signs of airway obstruction. Encourage fluids to keep secretions thin and maintain adequate hydration. Offer reassurance to the child and family; the coughing episodes can be very frightening. Droplet precautions along with standard precautions are necessary for the hospitalized child.