Respirating Disorder - Retropharyngeal Abscess

Question 1

Retropharyngeal abscess layman’s term

Answer 1

Pus in the back of the throat

Question 2

Why is it an emergency?

Answer 2

It impacts the airway (obstruction)

Question 3

Assessments / signs and symptoms

Answer 3

(HRDSS)
High Fever
Refusal to eat
Drooling
Snoring
Swelling on one side of neck

Question 4

Is swelling of the neck unilateral or bilateral?

Answer 4

Unilateral

Question 5

Why shouldn’t we use a tongue depressor?

Answer 5

May elicit gag reflex that blocks the airway

Question 6

Diagnostic test

Answer 6

Radiograph

Question 7

Treatment for retropharyngeal abscess

Answer 7

IV antibiotic (should be admitted)
Surgical drainage ( transport to operating room )
Tonsillectomy (using laser surgery or ligation)

Question 8

Removal of tonsils

Answer 8

Tonsillectomy

Question 9

What are the 2 ways to remove tonsils surgically?

Answer 9

Laser surgery and ligation

Question 10

Risks of tonsillectomy

Answer 10

(AHA)
Aspiration
Hemorrhage
Anesthesia effect

Question 11

Watch out for and report if there is:

Answer 11

(3S)
Severe pain
Swallowing frequently (clearing throat)
Signs of bleeding

Question 12

What to avoid?

Answer 12

(SCAR)
Sports (competitive)
Carbonated drinks
Acidic drinks / fools
Red food/drink

Question 13

Why avoid red food/ drinks?

Answer 13

Masks bleeding

Question 14

What are allowed?

Answer 14

(PIE)
Popsicles
Ice chips
Ear ache

Question 15

Why are popsicles and ice chips allowed?

Answer 15

clear liquids / cold→ vasoconstriction, anesthetic

Question 16

Ear ache is allowed because?

Answer 16

Its mild and only felt for 1 week
- it shifts pressure in the eustachian tube after operation