Nursing Care for Respiratory Disorders in Children

These flashcards cover key concepts related to nursing care for respiratory disorders in children, including anatomy, assessment, common conditions, management strategies, and treatments.

What does the upper respiratory tract include?

The upper respiratory tract includes the nose, paranasal sinuses, pharynx, larynx, and epiglottis.

What are the components of the lower respiratory tract?

The lower respiratory tract includes the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli.

How is air processed in the respiratory system?

Air is warmed, moistened, and filtered as it travels through the mouth and nasal passages.

Where does gas exchange occur in the respiratory system?

Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli.

What is pulmonary ventilation?

Pulmonary ventilation is the inhalation and exhalation of air into and out of the lungs.

Define external respiration.

External respiration is the gas exchange between the lungs and bloodstream.

What does internal respiration involve?

Internal respiration involves gas exchange between the bloodstream and body tissues.

What is phonation?

Phonation is the creation of sound by vibrating vocal cords during exhalation.

What are some pediatric respiratory differences?

Airway is narrower and more funnel-shaped in infants; large tongue can obstruct airway; chest wall more compliant.

What is the main reason infants are obligate nose breathers?

Infants are obligate nose breathers until 6 months old.

What should be gathered in the history of assessing respiratory illness?

Details on symptom onset, triggers, and treatments given.

What should be observed during inspection of respiratory illness?

Work of breathing, retractions, nasal flaring, and color.

What is the listening component of respiratory assessment called?

Auscultation.

What tests may be ordered to assess respiratory illness?

Tests like chest X-rays, cultures, and pulmonary function tests.

What are common symptoms of the common cold?

Nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, cough, low fever.

What is a common cause of the common cold?

Viral infection, most commonly rhinovirus or respiratory syncytial virus.

How is the common cold treated?

Supportive care like fluids, saline drops, humidified air; no antibiotics.

What is epistaxis?

Epistaxis is the spontaneous bleeding from the nasal cavity.

What is a common cause of nosebleeds in children?

Trauma, dry air, nasal irritation, or bleeding disorders.

What first aid should be applied for a nosebleed?

Apply pressure to the nose, tilt head forward, and keep calm.

What causes sinusitis?

Infection and inflammation of the sinus cavities, often secondary to a viral upper respiratory illness.

What symptoms are associated with sinusitis?

Fever, nasal discharge, cough lasting over 10 days.

How is pharyngitis caused by a viral infection typically managed?

Mild sore throat, fever, runny nose treated with analgesics and gargling.

What is the treatment for streptococcal pharyngitis?

Antibiotics.

What characterizes laryngitis?

Inflammation of the larynx causing hoarse voice or loss of voice.

What could aspiration lead to?

Inhalation of a foreign object into the airway, causing choking.

What may bronchial obstruction cause?

Wheezing and atelectasis.

What are the symptoms of bronchitis?

Cough, fever, nasal congestion, rhonchi, and crackles.

What usually causes bronchitis in children?

Viral infections like influenza or irritants like smoke.

What is the treatment for bronchitis?

Supportive care and bronchodilators if needed.

What is bronchial obstruction?

Foreign object lodged in the bronchus.

What are the symptoms of bronchiolitis?

Cold symptoms progressing to cough, wheezing, and retractions.

What commonly causes bronchiolitis?

Viral infection, most commonly respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

What is the treatment for bronchiolitis?

Supportive care, oxygen, bronchodilators; hospitalization for severe cases.

What is asthma characterized by?

Recurrent episodes of airflow obstruction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and symptoms like wheezing and coughing.

What are the primary manifestations of cystic fibrosis?

Thick, sticky mucus buildup in lungs, pancreas, and other organs.

What is the primary cause of cystic fibrosis?

A defective gene causing a mutation in the CFTR gene.

What significant respiratory effects does cystic fibrosis have?

Chronic lung infections, bronchiectasis, respiratory failure.

What tests can diagnose cystic fibrosis?

Sweat test, genetic testing, and clinical symptoms.

What is the goal of nutritional management in cystic fibrosis?

Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy and a high-calorie, high-fat diet.

What does arterial blood gas analysis assess?

Oxygenation, ventilation, and acid-base status.

What is a normal range for PaO2?

80-100 mmHg.

What is the significance of pulse oximetry?

A non-invasive method to estimate arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2).

What does a chest X-ray visualize?

Lung infiltrates, consolidation, or foreign objects.

What is spirometry used for?

Measuring lung volumes and airflow.

What treatments can be done at home for respiratory issues?

Humidification, inhalation devices, and chest physiotherapy.

What types of oxygen delivery systems were mentioned?

Nasal cannula, face masks, and high flow nasal cannula.

What is the purpose of an endotracheal tube?

To secure the airway.

What is the function of incentive spirometry?

To encourage deep breathing and lung expansion.

What is pursed-lip breathing?

A technique that slows exhalation to improve air exchange.

Why is family support crucial in managing respiratory disorders in children?

To provide emotional support, respite care, and shared decision-making.

What is necessary for continuing care in children with respiratory disorders?

Ongoing monitoring, routine immunizations, and periodic assessments.