6. Foreign Body Aspiration & Pneumothorax

what is foreign body aspiration?

inhalation of a solid or liquid into the respiratory tract

• most common at 6 months–3 years

what findings suggest foreign body aspiration?

sudden onset of cough, wheeze, or stridor

if a foreign body moves down to the bronchus, it needs to be _____

surgically removed

complications of FBA

• pneumonia

• abscess formation

• hypoxia

• resp failure

• death

which foreign body obstruction is most urgent?

an obstruction blocking the trachea so the child can’t breathe

what is the most important nursing intervention for foreign body aspiration? *

prevention

• anticipatory guidance at every well visit

what food precautions help prevent aspiration?

• no peanuts or popcorn until at least 3 years

• chop foods into small pieces

• high-risk foods include raw carrots, grapes, and hot dogs

why is swallowing multiple magnets dangerous?

they can stick together in the bowel

which household objects should be kept away from children because they’re dangerous to swallow?

batteries and magnets

what is a pneumothorax?

collection of air in the pleural space

what can cause a pneumothorax?

• spontaneous occurrence (often in tall teens)

• chronic lung disease

• CPR

• surgery

• trauma

how is a pneumothorax treated?

needle aspiration and/or chest tube placement (evacuates the air)

what are the assessment findings of pneumothorax?

• chest pain

• tachypnea, tachycardia

• retractions, nasal flaring, grunting;

• pallor or cyanosis

• diminished breath sounds

what nursing care is needed for a child with pneumothorax?

• oxygen

• chest tube care (prevent additional air from entering thru it)

what equipment must stay with a child who has a chest tube? *

1. hemostat

2. vaseline gauze with an occlusive dressing (at the bedside at all times and during transport)

what imaging is used daily for a child with a chest tube?

chest x-ray