Week 3: Acute and Chronic Respiratory Conditions in the Pediatric Client

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the pediatric acute and chronic respiratory notes.

Acute Epiglottitis

Medical emergency usually bacterial (often H. influenzae); rapid onset in children 2–5 years; signs include stridor, drooling, muffled voice, dysphagia, tripod position, cherry-red epiglottis; management may include intubation and IV antibiotics; droplet precautions; nurse cautions not to put anything in the mouth and to keep child calm.

Steeple Sign

Radiographic sign of subglottic narrowing seen in croup (acute laryngotracheal bronchitis).

Croup Syndromes (Acute Laryngotracheal Bronchitis)

Viral inflammation of the upper airway (larynx/trachea/bronchi); usually in infants and toddlers; gradual onset with inspiratory stridor, barky cough, hoarseness, retractions; treated with cool mist, steroids, and sometimes racemic epinephrine.

Acute Spasmodic Laryngitis

Viral or allergy-related croup that typically wakes a child at night with a sudden barking cough and stridor; symptoms improve during the day; treated with cool mist, steroids, and sometimes nebulized epinephrine.

Bronchiolitis

Lower respiratory tract infection most commonly due to RSV; typically in children <2 years; fever, cough, copious secretions, wheezing; management is supportive; bronchodilators are not routinely recommended; may use ribavirin, palivizumab for prevention; pneumonia risk and isolation precautions apply.

Otitis Media

Middle ear infection more common <24 months; fever, ear pain, muffled hearing; bulging tympanic membrane; diagnosed by otoscopy; treated with antibiotics if indicated (e.g., strep), analgesics; myringotomy with tubes in some cases.

Tonsillitis

Inflammation of the tonsils; common in children; halitosis, snoring, nasal voice, pain with swallowing; diagnosed via throat culture or rapid strep; treated with antibiotics if strep positive.

Tonsillectomy

Surgical removal of tonsils; requires pre-op consent and assessment of bleeding risk; post-op: monitor for bleeding, airway obstruction, keep HOB elevated, NPO initially, provide analgesia, avoid coughing and vigorous brushing.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

Autosomal recessive disorder causing thick, sticky mucus in lungs; pancreatic insufficiency; salty sweat; multi-system involvement (respiratory, GI, reproductive); diagnosed via sweat chloride testing; managed with airway clearance therapies, high‑calorie/high‑protein diet, pancreatic enzymes, vaccines, and ongoing monitoring.

Airway Clearance Therapy (ACT) in CF

Techniques (e.g., chest physiotherapy, percussion, postural drainage) to loosen and mobilize pulmonary secretions; performed regularly (commonly twice daily or more).

Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT)

Enzymes given with meals to aid digestion in CF patients with pancreatic insufficiency; improves nutrient absorption and growth.

Sweat Chloride Testing

Diagnostic test for CF measuring chloride concentration in sweat; elevated levels support CF diagnosis.

Cystic Fibrosis – Meconium Illeus

Meconium ileus is a newborn finding in CF due to thick mucus causing intestinal obstruction.

CF-Related Respiratory Complications

Chronic bacterial/fungal colonization, bronchiectasis, recurrent infections, pneumothorax, hemoptysis, and eventual respiratory failure.

Asthma

Chronic inflammatory airway disease with IgE-mediated response leading to bronchial hyperresponsiveness, bronchospasm, mucus production, and episodic airflow obstruction.

Asthma: Four Categories (Intermittent to Severe Persistent)

Classification based on symptom frequency, nighttime symptoms, and activity limitation: Intermittent, Mild Persistent, Moderate Persistent, Severe Persistent.

Asthma Triggers (Extrinsic vs Intrinsic)

External (extrinsic) triggers include allergens (dust, pollen, pet dander); internal (intrinsic) triggers include exercise, cold air, irritants, infections.

Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR)

Maximum airflow in one second during forced expiration; measured with a peak flow meter to establish personal best and monitor control in asthma.

Short-Acting Beta-2 Agonists (SABA)

Rescue inhalers (e.g., albuterol) used for rapid relief of acute bronchospasm in asthma.

Inhaler with Spacer

Delivery system that improves medication deposition in the lungs for MDIs, particularly in children; reduces oropharyngeal deposition.

Inhaled Corticosteroids

Anti-inflammatory controller medications used to reduce airway inflammation in asthma; varied regimens depending on severity.

Leukotriene Modifiers

Oral anti-inflammatory agents (e.g., montelukast) that help prevent exercise- and allergen-induced bronchoconstriction.

Mast Cell Stabilizers

Medications (e.g., cromolyn) that prevent mast cell degranulation and reduce allergic responses in asthma.

Monoclonal Antibodies (e.g., Omalizumab)

Biologic therapy for severe allergic asthma that targets IgE to reduce allergic inflammatory response.

Palivizumab (Synagis)

Monoclonal antibody given as RSV prophylaxis to high-risk infants to reduce severe RSV infection.

Racemic Epinephrine

Nebulized medication used to reduce airway edema and improve airway patency in croup and some bronchiolitis cases.

Chest Physiotherapy (CPT)

Therapy that includes chest percussion, vibration, and postural drainage to loosen mucus; used in CF as part of ACT.

Meconium Ileus (CF)

Newborn intestinal obstruction due to thick mucus; often an early clue to CF.

Vitamin Deficiencies in CF

Fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies (A, D, E, K) due to fat malabsorption in CF; require supplementation.