Week 5 - Caring for the Child and Family Experiencing Respiratory and Cardiac Health Challenges Flashcards
What are the key anatomical differences in pediatric respiratory anatomy?
The airway is funnel-shaped, smaller, and shorter. The tongue is larger, the larynx is higher and more anterior. The epiglottis is long and floppy, and infants are obligatory nose breathers for the first 4-6 months.
Where is the narrowest part of the airway in children under 10 years old?
The narrowest part of the airway is below the glottis at the level of the cricoid cartilage.
According to Poiseuille’s Law, what is the most important determinant of airway resistance?
he radius is the most important determinant. Airway resistance increases exponentially as the diameter decreases.
What are essential nursing interventions for pediatric respiratory illnesses?
Collect data through observation (Level of Consciousness, color, Work of Breathing)
Stay calm and involve parents.
Provide humidified oxygen if needed.
Position for chest expansion.
Ensure adequate hydration and nutrition.
Administer medications like inhalants or steroids if needed.
What are common symptoms of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?
Congestion, rhinorrhea, cough, irritability, shortness of breath, decreased appetite, and lethargy.
How is RSV treated in pediatric patients?
Treatment includes airway support, fluids, and acetaminophen for fever management. RSV vaccines are available for qualifying populations.
What should be considered when managing a pediatric airway?
Airway management may include suctioning, oxygen administration (low-flow, high-flow, BiPAP), and positioning techniques like jaw thrust and shoulder roll.
What are the symptoms and treatment for Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis)?
Symptoms: Rhinorrhea, fever, sore throat, and a characteristic “bark-like” cough, especially at night.
Treatment: Calm environment, corticosteroids, oxygen, and epinephrine nebulizers.
How is bronchiolitis typically treated in a pediatric patient?
Treatment priorities include airway management (gentle suctioning, humidified oxygen), hydration, and optimizing positioning.
What is the pathophysiological process of bronchiolitis?
Edema and secretions in the lower respiratory tract cause gradual lower airway obstruction.
What is the cause of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and which systems are mainly affected?
CF is caused by an autosomal recessive genetic mutation, mainly affecting the lungs and gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
What are the key treatments for Cystic Fibrosis?
Treatment focuses on maintaining lung function through airway clearance, inhaled bronchodilators, chest physiotherapy, Pulmozyme, oral antibiotics, and supporting nutrition.
What is the pathway of blood through a normal heart?
lood flows from the body → Right atrium → Right ventricle → Lungs → Left atrium → Left ventricle → Body.
What percentage of live births involve congenital heart defects (CHDs), and how many are critical?
1% of live births involve CHDs, and 25% of these are critical, requiring surgery or cardiac catheterization within the first year.
What are common causes of CHDs?
HDs can be caused by genetic factors (e.g., DiGeorge syndrome, Marfan syndrome, Trisomy 21) and environmental factors during pregnancy (e.g., maternal diabetes, alcohol misuse).
