L1-Upper Respiratory

How can upper respiratory infections become dangerous/lethal?

Chronic rhinosinusitis/sinusitis, it can result in the infection spreading to the venous channels near the brain, and then cause an epidural abscess or meningitis

Why does perioorbital cellulitis need to be treated pretty urgenty with children?

Can cause blindness

Those with obstructive sleep apnea are at a higher risk for what?

• day time sleepiness

• hypoxemia/hypercapnia → low oxygen, while retaining high CO₂

• hypertension

• MI

• stroke

If a PT who just underwent surgery is experiencing obstructive sleep apnea, what can the RN do to help them breath?

jaw thrust

What is the medical term for nose bleed/hemorrage?

epistaxis

T/F: it is best practice to tilt head back of PT if they are experiencing epistaxis

False; keep patient sitting upright

• blood can drip into lungs and cause cuaghing up blood

How long should a person allow epistaxis to occur before seeking medical attention?

15 minutes

What are the most important nursing considerations for taking care of a PT who recently underwent a laryngectomy?

• maintaining airway

• infection control

• wound care