Respiratory Conditions Flashcards
______ illnesses account for most acute illnesses in children
Respiratory
Describe the characteristics of the head that are unique to an infant / child
Larger in comparison to body
Describe the characteristics of the oral cavity that are unique to an infant / child (4)
- Smaller oral cavity
- Larger tonsils
- Larger tongue
- Tongue displaced posteriorly
Describe the characteristics of the epiglottis that are unique to an infant / child (2)
- U-shaped
- Floppy
Describe the characteristics of the trachea that are unique to an infant / child (2)
- Smaller airway lumen
- Fewer alveoli
What are the early manifestations of respiratory compromise? (6)
- Increased RR / HR
- Irritable / fussy
- Pallor
- Labored breathing
- Retractions / accessory muscle use
- Adventitious / diminished breath sounds
What are the late manifestations of respiratory compromise? (9)
- Absent breath sounds
- Bradycardia (dangerous)
- Central cyanosis
- Lethargy
- Grunting
- Nasal flaring
- Head bobbing in infants
- Suprasternal retractions
- See-saw breathing
What results from untreated severe respiratory compromise in children?
Respiratory failure –> leads to cardiac failure
80% of children have at least one episode of ______ by 3 years
Otitis media
Otitis media is an infection of the ______
Middle ear
Describe the characteristics of otitis media (3)
- Inflammation
- Purulent drainage
- Bulging, yellow / red membrane
Otitis media is often preceded by ______
A respiratory infection
Describe the anatomical structures responsible for otitis media in children (2)
- Eustachian tube is shorter / horizontal
- Obstruction of tube causes fluid accumulation
What factors increase the risk of otitis media? (2)
- Winter months
- Exposure to smoke
What factors decrease the risk of otitis media? (2)
- Breastfeeding
- Pneumococcal vaccine
What are the manifestations of otitis media? (6)
- Pain
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Blood / purulent drainage
- Rhinorrhea, vomiting, diarrhea
What can occur due to recurrent otitis media in young children?
Speech development delays
How is otitis media diagnosed?
Otoscopic exam
Describe the nursing management of otitis media (3)
- Antibiotic therapy
- Comfort measures
- Education - antibiotic therapy
What types of antibiotics are used for the treatment of otitis media? (2)
- Penicillins
- Cephalosporins
What types of comfort measures are used for the treatment of otitis media? (3)
- Acetaminophen
- Ibuprofen
- Warm / cool compress
Describe the treatment of recurrent acute otitis media
Surgical intervention - myringotomy
Describe a myringotomy
Incision into tympanic membrane to relieve pressure / facilitate drainage of fluid
A myringotomy can occur with or without ______
Tube placement
Describe the education associated with myringotomy (2)
- Avoid water in ears - use earplugs when swimming
- No intervention needed if tube falls out - monitor for infection
