NURS 2213: Nursing Care of Adults - Upper Respiratory Tract Conditions

Comprehensive practice questions covering upper respiratory tract conditions including epistaxis, nasal polyps, deviated septum, sinusitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, and influenza.

What is the medical term for a nosebleed?

Epistaxis

From which two major arteries does the nose receive its rich blood supply?

Internal and external carotid arteries

Where do anterior bleeds in epistaxis typically originate?

Kiesselbach Plexus (Little’s area)

In which patient population are posterior bleeds more common and severe?

Older adults

What is identified as the most common cause of epistaxis?

Dry, cracked nasal mucous membranes

In what direction should a client lean during an active nosebleed?

Forward

What is the recommended duration for applying pressure to the nares to stop epistaxis?

$5$ to $10\,\text{minutes}$

How long should a client avoid blowing or picking their nose after the removal of a nasal pack?

$$2\,\text{days}$$

What are nasal polyps?

Benign grape-like growths of mucous membrane lining the nasal passage

What is anosmia, a common symptom of nasal polyps?

Lost or diminished sense of smell

Which medication should be avoided following a polypectomy?

Aspirin

What surgical procedures can be performed to correct a deviated septum?

Submucous resection (SMR) or Nasoseptoplasty

At what point is sinusitis classified as chronic?

When it is present for more than $2\,\text{months}$ and is unresponsive to treatment

Which two bacterial organisms are common causes of sinus inflammation?

$S. pneumoniae$ and $H. influenzae$

What specific area of pain is associated with ethmoid sinusitis?

Pain between and behind the eyes

Why are antihistamines generally avoided in the management of sinusitis?

They dry and thicken secretions

What is the Caldwell-Luc procedure?

A surgical procedure to drain the sinus by creating an opening in the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus through a semilunar incision in the buccal vestibule

What is another name for rhinitis?

Coryza

What are the most effective treatments for rhinitis?

Rest and fluids

Untreated pharyngitis caused by Group A streptococci (GAS) can lead to which two complications?

Rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis

What diagnostic test is used to identify the causative organism in pharyngitis to determine the effective antibiotic?

Throat swab for culture and sensitivity

What is the most common symptom of laryngitis?

Hoarseness

Why might a laryngoscopy be performed if hoarseness lasts more than $2\,\text{weeks}$?

To rule out cancer of the larynx

What is the incubation period for influenza?

$1$ to $3\,\text{days}$

Which antiviral medication may be prescribed to reduce the duration and severity of influenza symptoms?

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)