URTI & Hematologic system

What are Upper Respiratory Tract Infections?

Illnesses caused by acute infection and inflammation involving the nose, sinuses, pharynx, or larynx.

Name common conditions included in Upper Respiratory Tract Infections.

Rhinitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis.

What is rhinitis?

Irritation and inflammation of the internal areas of the nose, commonly known as a stuffy nose.

What causes rhinitis?

Chronic or acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose due to viruses, bacteria, or irritants.

What are the symptoms of rhinitis?

Nasal obstruction, runny nose, post-nasal drip, itchy nose, and sneezing.

What are the two types of rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis.

What triggers allergic rhinitis?

Over-response of the immune system to non-infectious particles like pollen, dust mites, and animal proteins.

What is seasonal allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis that occurs during specific seasons due to pollen from plants.

What is perennial allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis that can occur year-round due to sensitivity to animal proteins, mold, and dust mites.

What are common causes of non-allergic rhinitis?

Infections, medications, weather changes, aging, hormonal changes, and irritants.

How is rhinitis diagnosed?

Based on symptoms; allergies can be evaluated through blood tests or skin testing.

What treatments are available for rhinitis?

Intranasal saline spray, antihistamines, corticosteroids, and ipratropium bromide intranasal spray.

What is sinusitis?

Inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses.

What are the types of sinusitis?

Acute, chronic, subacute, and recurrent acute sinusitis.

What characterizes acute bacterial sinusitis?

Sudden onset of cold symptoms that do not improve after 10 days or worsen after initial improvement.

What is chronic sinusitis?

Condition defined by nasal congestion, drainage, facial pain, and decreased sense of smell lasting at least 12 weeks.

What are common symptoms of sinusitis?

Postnasal drip, nasal discharge, facial pressure, headache, cough, and fever.

How is sinusitis diagnosed?

Through medical history, physical exam, endoscopy, and CT scan.

What treatments are available for sinusitis?

Decongestants, nasal saline irrigation, and antibiotics if symptoms do not improve after 10 days.

What is pharyngitis?

Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the oropharynx.

What are the types of pharyngitis?

Hypertrophic, atrophic, and chronic granular pharyngitis.

What is the most common cause of pharyngitis?

Most cases are of viral origin, with bacterial cases often due to group A streptococcus.

What are the risk factors for group A strep pharyngitis?

It can occur in people of all ages.

What is the incubation period for group A strep?

The incubation period varies, but it is typically a few days.

What are common treatments for pharyngitis?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause, often including pain relief and hydration.

What is the typical incubation period for Group A strep pharyngitis?

Approximately 2 to 5 days.

Which age group is most commonly affected by Group A strep pharyngitis?

Children aged 5 through 15 years.

What are common clinical features of Group A strep pharyngitis?

Sudden-onset sore throat, odynophagia, fever, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

What diagnostic test is preferred for Group A strep pharyngitis in emergency settings?

Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal rapid antigen detection test.

What is the criterion standard for diagnosing Group A strep infection?

Throat culture, which is 90-99% sensitive.

What is the first-line antibiotic treatment for Group A strep pharyngitis?

Penicillin or amoxicillin.

What are common causes of tonsillitis?

Common cold viruses (adenovirus, rhinovirus, influenza) and Group A β-hemolytic streptococcus.

What are the signs and symptoms of tonsillitis?

Red, swollen tonsils, white or yellow patches, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes.

What is a common treatment for tonsillitis caused by GABHS?

Penicillin or amoxicillin.

What should patients with tonsillitis do to manage their symptoms?

Get plenty of rest, drink fluids, and eat soft foods.

What are the causes of acute laryngitis?

Viral infections, straining vocal cords, bacterial infections, and excessive alcohol consumption.

What are the signs and symptoms of laryngitis?

Hoarseness, dry sore throat, coughing, difficulty swallowing, and fever.

What is the recommended management for laryngitis?

Resting the voice, avoiding smoking, and inhaling cool steam.

What is epistaxis?

The loss of blood from the tissue lining the inside of the nose.

What are common causes of epistaxis?

Trauma, infection, inhalation of drugs, cardiovascular diseases, and vigorous nose blowing.

What is the first step in managing a patient with epistaxis?

Position the patient comfortably and instruct them to pinch their nose for at least 10 minutes.

What should be done if initial management of epistaxis fails?

Gentle cauterization with Silver Nitrate or nasal packing.

What are some nursing management strategies for patients with epistaxis?

Monitor vital signs, provide comfort measures, and assist in controlling bleeding.

What is the most comfortable position for a post-operative tonsillectomy patient?

Prone with the head turned to one side.

What should patients avoid after a tonsillectomy?

Hot, spicy, acidic foods, and vigorous brushing.

What is the importance of hydration in managing pharyngitis and tonsillitis?

To maintain hydration status and support recovery.

What are signs of potential hemorrhage after a tonsillectomy?

Signs usually occur within 12 to 24 hours post-op.

What should be done if a child with tonsillitis has difficulty breathing?

Get emergency care immediately.

What is a common non-pharmacological treatment for sore throat?

Gargling with warm salt water.

What should children under four avoid to prevent choking?

Sucking on lozenges.

What is the role of corticosteroids in managing chronic laryngitis?

To reduce local inflammatory reactions.

What is the significance of maintaining a humidified environment for laryngitis patients?

It helps soothe the throat and reduce irritation.

What is oxygenation?

The process of delivering oxygen inside the body towards every single cell through inhalation and gas exchange in the alveoli.

What systems are involved in oxygenation?

The respiratory system, hematologic system, and cardiovascular system.

What is the main function of the respiratory system?

To intake oxygen and expel carbon dioxide.

How does the cardiovascular system contribute to oxygenation?

It delivers oxygen from the lungs to the tissues via the bloodstream.

What is hematology?

The study of blood and the disorders related to it.

What are the main components of blood?

Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, plasma, and accessory organs like the spleen and liver.

What is plasma?

The liquid portion of blood that transports nutrients, hormones, and waste products.

What is the role of albumin in the blood?

It modulates plasma oncotic pressure and transports endogenous and exogenous ligands.

What are normal levels of albumin in the blood?

3.9 to 4.9 g/dL.

What can low levels of albumin indicate?

Kidney and liver diseases, heart failure, GI problems, malnutrition, burns, and sepsis.

What is the function of globulin proteins?

They help fight viruses and infections, form blood clots, and maintain liver and kidney function.

What are normal levels of globulin in the blood?

2.0 to 3.5 g/dL.

What is fibrinogen?

A glycoprotein essential for blood clotting, synthesized by the liver.

What is the normal level of fibrinogen in the blood?

2-4 g/L or 200-400 mg/dL.

What is prothrombin?

A protein produced by the liver that is transformed into thrombin, which converts fibrinogen into fibrin during clotting.

What is Prothrombin Time (PT)?

A test that evaluates the coagulation status of patients by measuring the time for plasma to clot.

What is the normal result range for Prothrombin Time (PT)?

0.8 to 1.1.

What is the significance of fibrinogen disorders?

They can indicate conditions such as afibrinogenemia, hypofibrinogenemia, and dysfibrinogenemia.

What conditions may require fibrinogen replacement therapy?

Congenital disorders, massive trauma, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), liver disease, and obstetric hemorrhage.

What is the role of the spleen in the hematologic system?

It acts as an accessory organ that helps filter blood and recycle iron from red blood cells.

What is the primary function of red blood cells?

To transport oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and carry carbon dioxide back to the lungs.

What is the role of white blood cells?

To defend the body against infections and foreign invaders.

What is the function of platelets?

To assist in blood clotting and prevent bleeding.

What is the significance of the alveoli in the respiratory system?

They are the sites where gas exchange occurs, allowing oxygen to enter the blood and carbon dioxide to be expelled.

What is the pathway of oxygen from inhalation to the bloodstream?

Oxygen is inhaled into the lungs, diffuses through the alveoli into the blood, and is transported by the cardiovascular system to tissues.

What happens during gas exchange in the alveoli?

Oxygen enters the blood while carbon dioxide is expelled from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled.

What are the main proteins found in plasma?

Fibrinogen, Globulin, Prothrombin, Albumin

What does increased fibrinogen levels indicate?

May indicate bleeding tendencies and slow clotting.

What does decreased fibrinogen levels indicate?

May cause blood clots that could block blood vessels.

What is the role of Warfarin?

A blood thinner that prevents dangerous blood clots.

What are electrolytes?

Substances with a natural positive or negative electrical charge when dissolved in water.

What is the normal blood pH range?

Between 7.36 and 7.44.

What is the function of sodium in the body?

Helps maintain proper fluid balance and aids in nutrient absorption.

What is the role of potassium in the body?

Vital for proper heart function; works with sodium in cells.

What does calcium do in the body?

Essential for muscle function, nerve signal transmission, and heart rhythm management.

What is the function of bicarbonate in the blood?

Helps regulate blood pH levels.

What are the six major classes of nutrients essential for human health?

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water.

What are macronutrients?

Carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins; sources of energy.

What are micronutrients?

Vitamins and minerals; play essential roles in metabolism.

What are metabolic waste products?

Generated as byproducts of chemical reactions within cells, typically excreted by respiratory or urinary systems.

What is arterial blood gas analysis used for?

Assessing partial pressures of gases in the blood and evaluating acid-base balance.

What does PaO2 measure?

The pressure of oxygen dissolved in the blood, indicating oxygenation status.

What does PaCO2 measure?

The amount of carbon dioxide in the blood, indicating ventilation status.

What is the function of hemoglobin in the blood?

Carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

What does oxygen saturation (O2Sat) measure?

How much hemoglobin in the blood is carrying oxygen.

What is the normal pH range of blood?

The normal pH range of blood is between 7.35 and 7.45.

What happens if blood pH is lower than 7.35?

If blood pH is lower than 7.35, the blood is considered too acidic.

What is HCO3 in relation to blood?

HCO3 (Bicarbonate) is calculated using pH and PaCO2 to determine the amount of the basic compound made from carbon dioxide.