NU 331: Croup, Epiglottitis, T & A

What is LTB?

A viral infection in the upper airway subglottic area, peaking around 18 months.

What are common causative agents of croup?

Parainfluenza virus and other viruses.

What is a key symptom of croup?

Stridor, which indicates upper airway problems.

What does the steeple sign indicate in croup?

Narrowing of the airway seen on a lateral neck x-ray.

What is the typical treatment for croup?

Oral steroids and possibly racemic epinephrine for symptom relief.

What is epiglottitis?

Inflammation of the epiglottis due to a bacterial infection, which can occlude the airway.

What age group is most commonly affected by epiglottitis?

Children aged 2 to 7 years.

What are common symptoms of epiglottitis?

High fever, drooling, and difficulty swallowing.

What is the primary concern when treating epiglottitis?

Ensuring a stable airway before any other interventions.

What does T&A stand for?

Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy.

What is the most common reason for performing a tonsillectomy?

Chronic tonsillitis or sleep obstruction.

What is a common complication associated with strep throat?

Cardiac and kidney issues.

What are the classic symptoms of strep throat?

Sore throat, fever, and sometimes a sandpaper rash.

What is the typical treatment for strep throat?

Antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin.

What is the significance of the ASO titer in strep throat?

It indicates past exposure to strep bacteria.

What should be avoided in the case of a child with epiglottitis?

Nothing should be placed in the mouth until a stable airway is secured.

What is the typical recovery time after starting antibiotics for epiglottitis?

Improvement is usually seen within 3 days.

What is a common assessment for dehydration in children with croup?

Monitoring drinking and diaper output.

What is the role of cool mist tents in treating croup?

They are not typically recommended as an effective way to deliver oxygen.

What is the typical age range for croup to occur?

6 months to 4 years.

What is the primary cause of tonsil enlargement in children?

Bacterial or viral infections, with strep being a major concern.

What is the typical duration for PE tubes to remain in place?

A couple of months before they fall out on their own.

What should be done if a child has a sore throat and is not drinking well?

Assess for dehydration and encourage fluid intake.

What is a common post-operative concern after T&A surgery?

Clots in the back of the throat that may take weeks to resolve.

What is the medical term for croup?

Laryngotracheobronchitis (LTB)

What are the 3 S's associated with croup?

Subglottic swelling, Stridor (inspiratory), Seal-Bark Cough

What is the croup scoring for mild cases?

No stridor at rest

What characterizes moderate croup?

Continuous stridor and retractions

What indicates severe croup?

Increased respiratory distress

What imaging sign is associated with croup?

Steeple Sign

What are the main treatments for croup?

IV fluids, Oxygen/Mist, Racemic Epi, Steroids, Acetaminophen

What home treatments are recommended for croup?

Fluids, Monitor, Cool Mist, Steroids

What should NOT be used in the treatment of croup?

Antibiotics, Albuterol, Cool Mist Tent

What are the four D's of epiglottitis?

Drooling, Dysphagia, Dysphonia, Distressed inspiratory efforts

What position do patients with severe respiratory distress often adopt?

Tripod Position

What is the initial treatment for epiglottitis?

Isolation for 24 hours, airway management, calm environment

What is the treatment protocol after intubation for epiglottitis?

IV fluids, Antibiotics, Corticosteroids, Acetaminophen

What is Otitis Media (OM)?

An infection of the middle ear

What is the nursing care post-operation for T&A?

Postop assessment, monitoring for bleeding & drainage, positioning, minimal suctioning

What should be avoided in the diet post-T&A surgery?

Red or brown fluids

What factors determine infection risk in roommates?

Prone to give or get infection, gender, and age