upper respiratory week 5

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to nursing care for upper respiratory tract disorders.

Epistaxis

More commonly known as a nosebleed.

Causes of Epistaxis

Dry, cracked mucous membranes, trauma, hypertension, hemophilia, medications.

Therapeutic interventions for Epistaxis

Positioning, direct pressure, ice, nasal packing, nasal balloon catheter, vasoconstrictive agent, electrocautery.

Nasal Polyps

Usually benign; occur more often with allergies.

Treatment of Nasal Polyps

Control allergies, surgery, avoid aspirin post-op.

Deviated Septum Symptoms

Stuffy nose, blocked sinus drainage, headaches.

Therapeutic intervention for Deviated Septum

Nasoseptoplasty; monitor vital signs, bleeding, dressing, and teach post-op care.

Sinusitis

Inflammation of sinus mucosa, can be bacterial or allergic.

Signs and symptoms of Sinusitis

Pain over affected sinus, fever, nasal discharge.

Therapeutic interventions for Sinusitis

Saline irrigation, intranasal corticosteroids, decongestants, hot packs, acetaminophen/ibuprofen, humidification, oral fluids, positioning, antibiotics, surgical drainage.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Apnea during sleep; risk factors include obesity, high palate, receded mandible, smoking.

Complications of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes.

Signs and symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Snoring, daytime sleepiness, headache, memory and attention problems.

Diagnostic test for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Nocturnal polysomnography.

Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Avoid sedatives, lose weight, nasal patch, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), surgery.

Viral Rhinitis

Another name for common cold.

Pharyngitis

Inflammation of the pharynx caused by beta-hemolytic streptococci (strep throat).

Laryngitis

Inflammation of mucous membrane of the larynx.

Tonsillitis

Infection of the tonsils.

Influenza

Commonly called the flu, transmitted by coughing and sneezing.

Prevention of Influenza

Yearly vaccination, hand washing, avoidance of infected people.

Signs and symptoms of Influenza

Fever, chills, myalgia, sore throat, cough, malaise, headache.

Therapeutic interventions for Influenza

Acetaminophen, avoid aspirin, antiviral agents, rest, fluids.

Other Respiratory Viruses

West Nile, COVID-19, avian influenza (bird flu), SARS, swine flu (H1N1).