Management of Upper Respiratory Tract Disorders

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Questions and Answers

What is the most common cause of upper airway infections?

Environmental Factors

Allergic Rhinitis

Viral Infections (correct)

Bacterial Infections

What are common clinical manifestations of rhinitis?

Rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, nasal discharge, sneezing, pruritus, headache.

Antimicrobial agents should be used for managing viral rhinitis.

False

Which of the following is a common cause of non-allergic rhinitis?

Common Cold Signup and view all the answers

Allergic rhinitis can be caused by exposure to _____ such as dust and pollen.

allergens Signup and view all the answers

What principle leads to rebound congestion in nasal decongestant use?

Overuse of nasal decongestant sprays. Signup and view all the answers

Rhinoviruses are responsible for causing viral rhinitis.

True Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of rhinitis with its characteristic:

Allergic Rhinitis = Triggered by airborne particles Non-allergic Rhinitis = Common cold Chronic Rhinitis = Long-lasting inflammation Acute Rhinitis = Short-term onset Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the upper respiratory tract?

Warms and filters inspired air. Signup and view all the answers

Which structures are part of the upper respiratory tract?

Nose Signup and view all the answers

The lungs are part of the upper respiratory tract.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is gas exchange?

Delivering oxygen to the tissues and expelling carbon dioxide. Signup and view all the answers

The ______ connects the nasal and oral cavities to the larynx.

pharynx Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is responsible for vocalization?

Larynx Signup and view all the answers

Match the following parts of the respiratory system with their functions:

Nose = Filters and humidifies air Pharynx = Passageway for respiratory and digestive tracts Larynx = Vocalization Trachea = Passage to the bronchi Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of pleura associated with the lungs?

Visceral and parietal Signup and view all the answers

How many lobes does the right lung have?

Three Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Upper Airway Infections

Upper airway infections (URIs) are the leading cause of illness, affecting most individuals occasionally.
These infections can be categorized as acute or chronic.

Rhinitis and Rhinosinusitis

Rhinitis involves inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes, impacting 10-30% of the global population annually.
It can be classified as acute or chronic and further divided into allergic and non-allergic types.
Allergic Rhinitis: Triggered by airborne allergens such as dust and pollen; subtypes include seasonal and perennial rhinitis.
Causative Factors: Include temperature changes, odors, infections, age, systemic diseases, medications, and foreign bodies.

Clinical Manifestations of Rhinitis

Common symptoms: rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, sneezing, nasal discharge, and pruritus in the nasal and throat areas.
Headaches can also occur.

Medical Management for Rhinitis

Treatment options: antihistamines, corticosteroid nasal sprays, oral decongestants (e.g., Decolgen Forte), saline nasal sprays, and ipratropium (Atrovent).

Nursing Management for Rhinitis

Educate patients on minimizing allergen exposure and correct usage of nasal medications.
Stress the importance of hand hygiene.

Viral Rhinitis (Common Cold)

Caused by various viruses (up to 200 types), with rhinoviruses being the most common.
Highly contagious; virus shedding occurs two days before symptoms manifest.
Seasonal humidity changes can influence cold prevalence.

Clinical Manifestations of Viral Rhinitis

Symptoms include low-grade fever, sore throat, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, chills, malaise, halitosis, sneezing, and tearing eyes.

Medical Management for Viral Rhinitis

Symptomatic therapy includes hydration, rest, expectorants, warm salt-water gargles, NSAIDs, and antihistamines.
Antibiotics are inappropriate for viral infections.
Caution with topical nasal decongestants to avoid rebound congestion.

Rebound Congestion

Caused by continuous use of nasal decongestant sprays beyond three days.
Results from blood vessels becoming dependent on decongestants, leading to rebound swelling when medication wears off.

Nursing Management for Viral Rhinitis

Highlight the importance of hand hygiene.
Provide guidance on managing cold symptoms effectively.

Anatomy and Physiology of the Respiratory System

The respiratory system has two primary parts: the upper respiratory tract (upper airway) and the lower respiratory tract (lungs).
Functions primarily include warming and filtering inspired air for effective gas exchange in the lungs.
Gas exchange involves oxygen delivery to tissues and expulsion of carbon dioxide during expiration.
Both upper and lower respiratory tracts facilitate ventilation, the movement of air in and out of the airways.
Collaborates with the cardiovascular system, where the respiratory system handles ventilation/diffusion and the cardiovascular system manages perfusion.

Structures of the Upper Respiratory Tract

Components: Nose, Paranasal Sinuses, Pharynx, Tonsils, Adenoids, Larynx, Trachea.
Nose:
- Functions as a passageway for air, filters and warms inhaled air.
- Composed of external (nasal bones and cartilage) and internal (divided by septum) portions.
Paranasal Sinuses:
- Four pairs of bony cavities lined with mucosa, named: Frontal, Ethmoid, Sphenoid, and Maxillary.
- Serve as resonating chambers for speech and are prone to infection.

Pharynx and Its Role

Functions as a tube connecting nasal/oral cavities to the larynx.
Divided into three regions: Nasopharynx (upper), Oropharynx (middle), Laryngopharynx (lower).
Acts as a passageway for both respiratory and digestive tracts.

Tonsils and Adenoids

Adenoids: Located in the roof of the nasopharynx and play a role in the immune response, alongside tonsils and lymphoid tissue.

Larynx (Voice Box)

Connects the pharynx and trachea; consists of several cartilage structures including:
- Epiglottis: Flap that covers larynx during swallowing.
- Glottis: Opening between vocal cords.
- Thyroid Cartilage: Forms Adam's apple; largest cartilage structure.
- Cricoid Cartilage: Complete cartilaginous ring below thyroid.
- Arytenoid Cartilages: Facilitate vocal cord movement.
- Vocal Cords: Ligaments that produce sound, controlled by muscular movements.
Major functions include vocalization, protecting lower airway from foreign substances, and facilitating coughing.

Trachea (Windpipe)

Composed of smooth muscle and C-shaped cartilage rings; connects larynx to bronchi.
Serves as the passage for air entering the lungs, which have a main entry called the hilus.

Anatomy of the Lower Respiratory Tract

Comprises the lungs, which contain bronchial structures necessary for gas exchange.
Lungs:
- Paired, elastic structures encased in the thoracic cage; airtight and distensible.
- Division: The right lung has three lobes (upper, middle, lower), while the left lung has two lobes (upper and lower).

Pleura

A serous membrane covering lungs and thoracic cavity walls.
Visceral Pleura: Covers lungs directly.
Parietal Pleura: Lines the thoracic cavity.

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Description

This quiz covers the management of various upper respiratory tract disorders, including infections like rhinitis, pharyngitis, and laryngitis. Additionally, it explores topics related to obstruction and trauma in the upper respiratory airway, such as obstructive sleep apnea and nasal obstruction. Ideal for nursing students focusing on respiratory health.