Airway Structure and Acute Respiratory Disorders

Conditions that suddenly affect the airway and breathing, like rhinitis, sinusitis, influenza, COVID-19, and pneumonia.

Keeping the airway open to allow oxygen to reach the lungs.

Conditions or situations that increase the chance of developing respiratory problems. Examples include: age, infections, smoking, and underlying illnesses.

Washing hands to stop the spread of infections.

Vaccines to protect against respiratory diseases like influenza and pneumonia.

An inflammation of the nasal lining, often affecting the sinuses, caused by infection (viral or bacterial) or allergens.

About 10-30% of the world's population experiences rhinitis each year.

The common cold, caused by viruses spread through droplets from sneezing and coughing or direct contact.

Triggered by allergens, histamine and other mediators are released, leading to blood vessel leakage and swelling.

Excess nasal drainage (runny nose), nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy nose, throat and ears, watery eyes, sore throat, inflamed nasal lining, and low-grade fever.

Antihistamines, like brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine, block chemicals released by WBCs that cause nasal inflammation. This helps reduce swelling and itching.

Decongestants, like phenylephrine, constrict blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing swelling and congestion.

Expectorants, like guaifenesin, help loosen mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up.

Intranasal glucocorticoid sprays are the most effective treatment for rhinitis, both seasonal and perennial, controlling inflammation and reducing symptoms.

Educate clients about hand hygiene, limiting exposure to others, and avoiding allergens to prevent and reduce rhinitis.

Inflammation of the sinuses, often affecting the maxillary or frontal sinuses, usually caused by a virus, bacteria or allergies.

Sinusitis is often triggered by viruses, bacteria, allergies, a deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps, inhaled air pollutants, cocaine, facial trauma, dental infections, or weakened immunity.

Sinusitis symptoms include nasal congestion, headache, facial pressure or pain, cough, bloody or purulent nasal drainage, tenderness on the forehead, orbital, and facial areas, and low-grade to high-grade fever.

Sinusitis is a sinus infection, while rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal lining. Sinusitis can occur after rhinitis.

Treatment for sinusitis might include antibiotics for bacterial infections, decongestants to reduce swelling, nasal corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and pain relievers.

A CT scan or sinus x-ray is used to confirm sinusitis, usually diagnosed based on a physical assessment and symptoms.

Endoscopic sinus lavage or surgery might be performed to relieve the obstruction and promote drainage of secretions.

Steam humidification, sinus irrigation, saline nasal sprays, and hot and wet packs can ease sinus congestion and pain.

Patients with sinusitis should increase fluid intake, rest, and avoid air travel, swimming, and diving.

Cessation of tobacco use in all forms is strongly encouraged for individuals with sinusitis.

Medications like phenylephrine that reduce swelling in the nasal passages, relieving congestion.

When nasal decongestants are used for too long (more than 3 to 4 days), the nasal lining can become even more swollen once the medication wears off.

A method of rinsing the sinuses using saline solution to flush out mucus and debris.

A surgical procedure to correct a crooked nasal septum, which can improve breathing and reduce sinus problems.

A procedure to remove polyps, small growths in the nasal passages, which can cause congestion and sinusitis.

A highly contagious viral infection that spreads quickly, usually in the fall and winter. It causes fever, muscle aches, headache, and fatigue.

A type of influenza that spreads globally and can be caused by mutated viruses from animals like birds or pigs.

People with influenza are contagious for up to 5 days after symptoms start and for 24 hours before those symptoms appear.

In addition to typical flu symptoms, avian flu can cause severe diarrhea, cough, and low oxygen levels.

Testing for influenza is recommended only if treatment decisions will be based on the results.

A laboratory test to identify the type of bacteria causing pneumonia and determine the best antibiotic treatment.

An increased white blood cell count in a CBC test, indicating a potential infection like pneumonia.

A low partial pressure of oxygen in the blood, indicating a decrease in oxygen levels, often found in pneumonia.

A chest x-ray reveals consolidation (solidification) of lung tissue, indicating pneumonia. However, it might take a few days for the changes to be visible on the X-ray.

Pulse oximetry measures oxygen saturation in the blood. Patients with pneumonia usually have lower oxygen levels, with readings below the expected reference range of 95% to 100%.

Positioning the client with their head elevated at a 90-degree angle to maximize ventilation and improve breathing.

A device used to encourage deep breathing and prevent lung collapse by helping clients take slow, deep breaths.

Encourage clients to drink 2 to 3 liters of fluids per day, unless contraindicated, to help thin secretions and make breathing easier.

Provide adequate nutrition to meet increased calorie needs due to the extra effort required to breathe. Proper nutrition also helps prevent secondary respiratory infections.

Allow clients experiencing difficulty breathing (dyspnea) frequent rest periods to reduce their respiratory workload and promote comfort.

Penicillins and cephalosporins can affect kidney function, especially in older adults, so close monitoring is crucial.

Penicillin and cephalosporin dosages are often affected by meals. Some forms should be taken before eating, while others are best taken after.

Taking penicillins and cephalosporins can sometimes cause increased bowel movements, a side effect to monitor.

Educate patients about how to take penicillins and cephalosporins, including the importance of taking them with food or at specific times, to ensure maximum effectiveness and minimize side effects.

Nursing actions for penicillins and cephalosporins include observing frequent stool changes and monitoring kidney function, particularly in older adults.

Medications that widen the airways of the lungs, making it easier to breathe. They are often used to treat conditions like asthma and COPD.

Medications that quickly relieve bronchospasms by stimulating the beta2 receptors in the lungs. Examples include albuterol.

Drugs like ipratropium that block the effects of acetylcholine in the lungs, leading to bronchodilation and reduced secretions.

Medications like theophylline that relax airway smooth muscles. Their therapeutic range is narrow, requiring careful monitoring.

Bronchodilators work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe. There are different types that work in different ways.

High levels of theophylline in the blood can cause side effects like rapid heartbeat, nausea, and diarrhea.

Albuterol can cause tremors and an increased heart rate.

Ipratropium can cause dry mouth, headache, blurred vision, and palpitations.

Theophylline levels in the blood should be monitored to prevent toxicity, which can lead to rapid heartbeat, nausea and diarrhea.

Observe for tremors and tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) in patients taking albuterol.

Collapse of the alveoli in the lungs, often due to airway inflammation and edema. This can lead to shortness of breath and a decreased ability to get oxygen.

Bacteria from a lung infection enters the bloodstream, leading to a systemic infection. This can be life-threatening.

Severe lung injury caused by a variety of factors, including sepsis. This leads to widespread inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.

Low oxygen levels in the blood. It is a common complication of respiratory problems, such as atelectasis.

High carbon dioxide levels in the blood. This is often seen in ARDS, indicating that the lungs are not effectively removing carbon dioxide.