Infection Control and Viral Rhinitis

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason consistent antibiotic use is emphasized by the nurse?

To speed up the resolution of chronic symptoms

To prevent any possible complications from occurring

To ensure a stable blood level for effective infection treatment (correct)

To reduce fever and headache symptoms

Which symptom might indicate a potential complication of meningitis?

Chronic headaches

Facial pain

Severe headache and nuchal rigidity (correct)

Chronic hoarseness

What is the common cause of Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) and recurrent acute rhinosinusitis?

Ineffective treatment of previous sinus infections

Allergic reactions to environmental factors

Mechanical obstruction in the ostiomeatal complex (correct)

Viral infections affecting the upper respiratory tract

Which of the following symptoms is typically most prominent upon waking in the morning?

Cough related to thick discharge Signup and view all the answers

During the physical assessment for rhinosinusitis, what aspect is crucial for evaluating the external nose?

Examination for anatomic abnormalities Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary treatment for bacterial pharyngitis?

Penicillin Signup and view all the answers

What nursing intervention is important for patients with a history of rheumatic fever and signs of strep throat?

Immediate initiation of antibiotic therapy Signup and view all the answers

During the febrile stage of illness, what should the nurse instruct the patient to do?

Stay in bed and rest frequently Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended temperature range for warm saline gargles in treating pharyngitis?

40.6 to 43.3 degrees Celsius Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an important preventive measure for patients with pharyngitis?

Cleaning telephones after use Signup and view all the answers

What should the nurse advise regarding mouth care in bacterial infection?

Mouth care promotes comfort and prevents cracking of lips Signup and view all the answers

What common symptom may acute pharyngitis precede?

Communicable diseases Signup and view all the answers

What should patients with streptococcal pharyngitis do regarding their toothbrush?

Replace it with a new one Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of laryngitis?

Excessive voice usage Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is indicative of acute laryngitis?

Hoarseness or loss of voice Signup and view all the answers

What treatment is suggested for chronic laryngitis?

Voice rest and avoiding irritants Signup and view all the answers

Which management technique is NOT recommended for laryngitis?

Gargling saltwater regularly Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic sign of chronic laryngitis?

Persistent hoarseness Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is typically used for treating reflux laryngitis?

Omeprazole Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary symptom that indicates the need for prompt medical attention in laryngitis?

Sudden loss of voice Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following fluids is recommended to help manage laryngitis?

Warm tea Signup and view all the answers

Which condition may be indicated by a crooked-appearing external nose?

Septal deviation Signup and view all the answers

What is a common complication associated with rhinosinusitis?

Cavernous sinus thrombosis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a part of the medical management for rhinosinusitis?

Administering high doses of caffeine Signup and view all the answers

What surgical procedure may be indicated when medical therapy for sinus issues fails?

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for cleaning the container after each use?

To avoid cross-contamination Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a classic symptom of acute pharyngitis caused by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus?

Fiery-red pharyngeal membrane Signup and view all the answers

Which virus is most commonly associated with the common cold?

Rhinoviruses Signup and view all the answers

Which laboratory test is commonly used to diagnose Group A streptococcal pharyngitis?

Rapid Antigen Detection Testing (RADT) Signup and view all the answers

What symptom suggests a potential severe manifestation of pharyngitis?

Higher than 38.3C (101F) fever Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom indicating acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS)?

Purulent nasal drainage Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about viral pharyngitis is true?

It is treated with supportive measures. Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is NOT recommended for the common cold?

Antimicrobial agents (antibiotics) Signup and view all the answers

What preventative measure is crucial in preventing transmission during viral rhinitis?

Hand hygiene Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects the main difference between acute viral rhinosinusitis (AVRS) and acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS)?

AVRS has milder symptoms and lacks high fever Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a symptom of viral rhinitis?

Purulent nasal drainage Signup and view all the answers

Which measure can help soothe a sore throat during a cold?

Warm salt-water gargles Signup and view all the answers

What type of medication should be avoided due to its potential to cause rebound rhinitis when overused?

Topical decongestants Signup and view all the answers

Which type of population is specifically advised to receive the influenza vaccination annually?

Older adults and high-risk groups Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Infection Control and Prevention

Clean containers after each use to prevent cross-contamination; avoid sharing with others.
Hand hygiene is critical for preventing transmission during infectious rhinitis.
Annual influenza vaccination is essential for older adults and high-risk populations to build immunity before flu season.

Viral Rhinitis (Common Cold)

Also referred to as coryza; the most frequent viral infection in the general population.
Highly contagious; viruses shed approximately 2 days before symptoms appear and during initial symptomatic phase.
Main viral agents include rhinoviruses and influenza virus.

Signs and Symptoms of Viral Rhinitis

Symptoms include low-grade fever, nasal congestion, sneezing, halitosis, watery eyes, sore throat, malaise, chills, headache, and muscle aches.

Medical Management

Treatment focuses on symptom relief: adequate hydration, rest, prevention of chilling, and expectorants as needed.
Warm salt-water gargles can soothe sore throats.
NSAIDs alleviate pain; antihistamines relieve nasal congestion and discharge.
Refrain from antibiotics as they do not target viruses or prevent bacterial complications.
Overuse of topical nasal medication may lead to rebound rhinitis.

Nursing Management

Effective hand hygiene and tissue use critical for prevention.
Educate patients on symptom management and provide both verbal and written information.

Rhinosinusitis

Inflammation of paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity; previously known as sinusitis.

Acute Rhinosinusitis

Divided into acute bacterial (ABRS) and viral (AVRS) rhinosinusitis; often follows a viral URI.
Common pathogens: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Moraxella catarrhalis.

Symptoms of Acute Rhinosinusitis

ABRS: Purulent nasal drainage, nasal obstruction, facial pain, high fever, and symptoms lasting over 10 days.
AVRS: Symptoms last less than 10 days, with milder symptoms and no high fever.

Assessment and Diagnostic Findings for Rhinosinusitis

Tenderness over infected sinuses; importance of following antibiotic regimen emphasized.
Complications such as meningitis indicated by fever, severe headache, and neck stiffness.

Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Recurrent Acute Rhinosinusitis

Caused by mechanical obstruction in sinus ostia, leading to inadequate drainage and bacterial growth.
Symptoms include persistent cough, chronic headaches, hoarseness, and periorbital pain, especially worse in the morning.

Complications of Rhinosinusitis

Rare complications can include severe orbital cellulitis, meningitis, and ischemic infarction.

Medical Management for Rhinosinusitis

Encourage hydration, nasal saline sprays, antispasmodic agents, and decongestants.
Advise head elevation during sleep and avoidance of irritants like smoke and caffeine.

Surgical Management

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) may be needed if medical therapy is unsuccessful.

Nursing Management for Rhinosinusitis

Emphasizes patient education on home care, ensuring proper nasal drainage techniques, increasing fluid intake, and heat application.

Pharyngitis

Acute pharyngitis: Inflammation of the pharynx, often referred to as a sore throat.
Commonly caused by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS).

Signs and Symptoms of Pharyngitis

May present with fiery-red pharyngeal membrane, tender lymph nodes, fever, malaise, and potential for vomiting and rash (scarlet fever).

Assessment and Diagnostic Findings for Pharyngitis

Diagnostic tests include Rapid Antigen Detection Testing, Strep Culture, and Blood Cultures.

Medical Management of Pharyngitis

Viral pharyngitis managed with supportive care; bacterial pharyngitis often treated with penicillin or similar antibiotics.

Nursing Management for Pharyngitis

Focus on prompt antibiotic administration for GABHS; encourage rest, warm saline gargles, and skin examinations for potential rashes.
Instruct on preventive measures to avoid spreading the infection.

Laryngitis

Inflammation of the larynx caused by voice abuse, irritants, or viral infections.

Signs and Symptoms of Laryngitis

Acute laryngitis often presents with hoarseness and cough; chronic laryngitis characterized by persistent hoarseness.

Medical Management of Laryngitis

Treatment includes voice rest, avoiding irritants, and for severe cases, antibacterial therapy or corticosteroids.

Nursing Management for Laryngitis

Advise voice rest, maintain a humid environment, and recommend adequate hydration to thin secretions.

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Description

This quiz covers infection control measures, the characteristics of viral rhinitis, and common symptoms associated with the condition. It emphasizes the importance of hand hygiene and annual vaccinations, particularly for vulnerable populations. Test your understanding of prevention strategies and management for viral infections.