Gas Exchange: Upper Respiratory Disorders

Vocabulary flashcards covering upper respiratory anatomy, disorders, symptoms, and nursing care procedures based on lecture notes.

Rhinitis

An upper respiratory infection, commonly known as the common cold, which is spread by droplet infection and remains contagious for approximately $3\,\text{days}$ after symptoms appear.

Reye’s syndrome

A serious condition associated with the use of aspirin in children younger than $18\,\text{years}$ of age.

Sinusitis

Inflammation of the mucosal lining of the sinuses, commonly caused by $Pneumococci$, $streptococci$, or $Haemophilus\ influenzae$.

Epistaxis

The medical term for a nosebleed, where bleeding is usually the only sign.

Pharyngitis

Inflammation of the pharynx, often called a sore throat, which can be viral, bacterial, or fungal in origin.

Acute follicular pharyngitis

Also known as strep throat, this condition is caused by a beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection.

Laryngitis

Inflammation of the larynx resulting in a diminished voice or hoarseness.

Epiglottitis

Inflammation that extends to the epiglottis, a condition more common in children.

Dysphagia

A symptom of pharyngitis characterized by difficulty or discomfort when swallowing saliva.

Laryngectomy

The surgical removal of the larynx, requiring specific postoperative nursing care plans and psychosocial interventions.

Tonsillitis

Inflammation of the tonsils requiring preoperative restrictions on $ASA$ and $NSAIDS$ and postoperative monitoring for frequent swallowing.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

A condition caused by airway obstruction during sleep, which if untreated can contribute to myocardial infarction or stroke.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

A treatment method used for obstructive sleep apnea to maintain airway patency during sleep.

Crepitation

A grating sound or the feeling of rough surfaces rubbing together upon palpation, used to diagnose a nasal fracture.

Closed reduction

A treatment for nasal fracture performed using local or general anesthetic if the patient is seen within the first $24\,\text{hours}$ after injury.

Endotracheal intubation

The insertion of a tube into the trachea via the nose or mouth using a laryngoscope to assist or control ventilation.

Tracheostomy

A surgical incision into the trachea to insert a tube for breathing, suctioning air passages, or bypassing an obstructed upper airway.

Crackles (Rales)

Discontinuous, popping adventitious breath sounds often associated with $CHF$, pneumonia, or fibrosis.

Wheezes

Continuous, high-pitched whistling breath sounds typically caused by asthma, $COPD$, or other airway obstructions.

Rhonchi

Continuous, low-pitched snoring sounds that suggest the presence of secretions in the large airways.