Upper Respiratory Disorders Flashcards
What is Choanal Atresia?
A congenital obstruction of the nares.
Describe s/sx of Choanal Atresia.
Immediate respiratory distress at birth: retractions, low o2 sat, etc. Newborns are obligatory nose breathers.
How do you assess for Choanal Atresia?
Nasal patency test & assess for s/sx of respiratory distress
Describe the nasal patency test.
A test used to determine presence of a nasal obstruction. Press against one nares and assess respiratory status. Then remove and repeat on other nares.
What are the treatments for Choanal Atresia?
Pierce membranous obstruction. Surgical intervention may be required for bony obstruction.
Describe the nursing interventions for Choanal Atresia.
Educate parents on small, frequent feedings. Monitor for fatigue and nutritional intake. Monitor feeds for fatigue.
What is Acute Nasopharyngitis?
The “common cold.”
Describe s/sx of Acute Nasopharyngitis
Watery rhinitis, congestion, watery eyes, low grade fever, post-nasal drip & cough, cervical lymphadenopathy, nasal inflammation.
Describe the interventions and treatments for Acute Nasopharyngitis. Describe treatments that should NOT be done.
Treat symptoms:
Fever - acetaminophen, ibuprofen, warm/tepid bath
Humidifier (+education for cleaning)
Maintain nutrition and hydration
No: antihistamines, aspirin, cold baths, cough/cold medicine
What is Pharyngitis?
An infection and inflammation of the throat.
What are the 2 types of Pharyngitis?
Viral pharyngitis
Streptococcal pharyngitis
What is Viral Pharyngitis?
An infection/inflammation of the throat caused by a virus.
Describe the s/sx of Viral Pharyngitis.
Sore throat, redness, rhinorrrhea, sneezing. Symptoms have a slow, progressive onset and are less severe than with bacterial pharyngitis.
Describe the interventions and treatments for Viral Pharyngitis
Treat symptoms. Maintain nutrition and hydration.
Describe the s/sx of Streptococcal Pharyngitis.
Sore, red throat, petechiae on tongue or palate, bright red tonsils, sandpaper-like rash, high fever, abdominal pain (+/- n/v). Symptoms have sudden onset and are more severe than with viral pharyngitis.
Describe interventions and treatments for Streptococcal Pharyngitis.
Requires + strep test.
Treat symptoms: saline spray, fever reducer.
Antibiotics
What may occur if Streptococcal Pharyngitis is left untreated?
Untreated Streptococcal pharyngitis may lead to Scarlet (Rheumatic) Fever and glomerular nephritis.
What is Streptococcal Pharyngitis?
An infection/inflammation of the throat caused by a bacterial source, specificially Streptococcal bacteria.
What is Retropharyngeal Abscess?
A collection of pus d/t bacterial overgrowth in the lymph nodes at the back of the throat.
Describe the s/sx of a Retropharyngeal Abscess.
Drooling, throat pain, difficulty breathing, wheezing, SNORING like sound when breathing. Reduce PO intake.
Describe the interventions and treatment for Retropharyngeal Abscess
Administer IV antibiotics and IV fluids.
Tonsillectomy/Adenoidectomy may be necessary for repeat infections.
Monitor respiratory status and nutritional/hydration status.
What is Epistaxis?
A nose bleed. May be r/t trauma, hemophilia, allergies, etc.
Describe the interventions and treatment for Epistaxis.
Apply pressure to bridge of nose x10 minutes while tilting head forward. Stay in upright position. Let blood drain out, do not blow nose.
What is Congenital Laryngomalacia/Tracheomalacia?
Soft/floppy and weak tissues of the larynx or trachea
Describe the potential complications of Congenital Laryngomalacia/Tracheomalacia.
Airway collapse and obstruction leading to respiratory distress.
Describe the s/sx of Congenital Laryngomalacia/Tracheomalacia
Inspiratory stridor
Crowing noise w/ respirations
Sternal or intercostal retractions
Describe interventions for Congenital Laryngomalacia/Tracheomalacia
Small frequent feedings to prevent fatigue. Monitor respiratory status. Caregiver education: if URI sx present, bring infant in quickly for care/observation.
What is Laryngotracheobronchitis?
Inflammation of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi that is triggered by viral H influenza/parainfluenza. Typically affects infants ages 6 months-3 years. Also known as croup.
Describe the s/sx of Laryngotracheobronchitis.
Mild URI sx that worsen at night. Wake up suddenly with BARKING COUGH and inspiratory stridor (seal-like sounds). Marked substernal retractions. No fever.
Describe the therapeutic and medical management of Laryngotracheobronchitis.
Warm, misty shower and steam OR cool, cold air.
ED Medical management: Cool mist nebulizer Corticosteroids Racemic epi (produces bronchodilators) O2 support IV fluids or oral rehydration (ORT)
Describe the nursing interventions for Laryngotracheobronchitis.
Strict I/O. Vitals. Monitor O2 sat, respiratory status, and cyanosis.
What is Epiglottitis?
Inflammation of the epiglottis (cartilage covering the windpipe)
Describe the s/sx of Epiglottitis.
4 Ds: drooling, dysphagia, dysphonia, distressed inspiration.
Stridor, high fever, hoarseness, very sore throat. Inflamed glottis appears cherry-red and edematous.
Describe the nursing interventions for Epiglottitis.
DO NOT ATTEMPPT TO VISUALIZE THE GLOTTIS OR COLLECT CULTURE. DO NOT TOUCH BACK OF THROAT. Keep child as calm as possible, prevent crying.
Suppository acetaminophen rectally for fever.
Monitor respiratory status and vitals.
Provide IV fluids (NO ORAL).
O2 support if cyanotic or in resp distress.
