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Nursing Care of Clients with Upper Respiratory Disorders. Nursing Care of Patients with Upper Airway Disorders. Upper airway disorders may be minor, treated outside health care setting Or may be severe, life threatening
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Nursing Care of Clients with Upper Respiratory Disorders
Nursing Care of Patients with Upper Airway Disorders • Upper airway disorders may be minor, treated outside health care setting • Or may be severe, life threatening • Require good assessment skills, understanding of variety of disorders that affect upper airway, impact those disorders may have on patient • Patient teaching is important aspect of care
Specific Disorders • Infections • Rhinitis • Sinusitis: acute, chronic • Pharyngitis: acute, chronic • Tonsillitis, adenoiditis • Peritonisillar abscess • Laryngitis
Upper Respiratory Tract Disorders and Risk Factors • Influenza • Highly contagious viral respiratory disease • Usually occurs in epidemics or pandemics • Avian influenza: possible pandemic • Sinusitis • Sterile air-filled cavities in the facial bones • Sinusitis
Viral Upper Respiratory Infection • Pathophysiology • Local inflammatory response • Swelling of mucous membranes of nasal passages • Hyperactivity of mucus-secreting glands • Immunity produced only to individual virus
Viral Upper Respiratory Infection • Manifestations • Nasal congestion • Profuse nasal discharge (coryza) • Sneezing • Coughing • Sore throat • Low-grade fever • Headache • Malaise • Muscle aches
Viral Upper Respiratory Infection Sinusitis • Pathophysiology • Sinus opening obstruction, impaired drainage • Manifestations • Pain and tenderness • Headache, fever, and malaise • Nasal congestion • Purulent nasal discharge • Bad breath
Influenza • Medications • Prophylaxis • Treatment to reduce severity • Amantadine • Rimantadine • Zanamivir • Oseltamivir • Ribavirin • Symptom relief also include • ASA • Acetaminophen • NSAIDs • Antitussives • Antibiotics are not indicated
Sinusitis • Medication Therapy • Antibiotics • Oral or topical decongestants • Antihistamines • Saline nose drops or sprays • Systemic mucolytic agents
Nursing Process: Care of Patients with Upper Respiratory Infections - Assessment • Health history • Signs and symptoms: headache, cough, hoarseness, fever, stuffiness, generalized discomfort and fatigue • Allergies • Inspection of nose, neck, throat • Include palpation of lymph nodes
Nursing Process: Care of Patients with Upper Respiratory Infections - Diagnosis • Ineffective airway clearance • Acute pain • Impaired verbal communication • Deficient fluid volume • Deficit of knowledge related to prevention, treatment, surgical procedure, postoperative care
Nursing Process: Care of Patients with Upper Respiratory Infections - Planning • Maintenance of patent airway • Relief of pain • Maintenance of effective communication • Normal hydration • Knowledge to how to prevent upper airway infections • Absence of complications
Interventions • Interventions to maintain patent airway • Promote comfort • Analgesics • Gargles for sore throat • Use of hot packs for sinus congestion or ice collar to reduce swelling, bleeding post tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
Interventions (cont’d) • Rest • Refrain from speaking, use alternative communication • Encourage liquids; 2 to 3 L a day, appropriate foods
Patient Education • Prevention of upper airway infections • Emphasize frequent hand washing • When to contact health care provider • Need to complete antibiotic treatment regimen • Annual influenza vaccine for those at risk
Potential Complications • Sepsis • Meningitis • Peritonsillar abscess • Otitis media • Sinusitis
Health Promotion Activities Viral Upper Respiratory Infection • Maintaining good general health • Stress-reducing activities • Limiting exposure to crowds • Good handwashing Influenza • Immunization education • Risk reduction activities • Avoiding crowds • Avoiding those who are ill