Nursing Assessment of Allergic Rhinitis

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Questions and Answers

What may be a contributing factor to the development of the described condition?

Inhalation of clean air

Listening to loud music

Consumption of fatty foods

Inhalation of irritant vapors, dust, or pollen (correct)

What is a common symptom of the described condition in young infants?

Severe body aches

Loss of appetite

Nasal discharge leading to nasal obstruction (correct)

Mild fever

What is NOT a recommended treatment for the described condition?

Paracetamol for fever

Saline nasal drops

Antibiotics (correct)

Rest

What is a recommended nursing management strategy for the described condition?

Applying cold cream or Vaseline to lips to prevent excoriation Signup and view all the answers

What is the age group most commonly affected by otitis media?

Infancy and childhood Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of otitis media?

Otalgia (ear ache) Signup and view all the answers

What is the drug of choice for the treatment of otitis media?

Amoxicillin Signup and view all the answers

What is a nursing diagnosis for children with acute otitis media?

Both a and b Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of humidified oxygen in the treatment of pneumonia?

To help loosen mucus and ease breathing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of interstitial pneumonia?

Inflammation of the alveolar walls Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for pneumonia that affects both lungs?

Double pneumonia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary symptom of lobar pneumonia?

Dullness of the lung area on percussion Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of postural drainage in the nursing management of pneumonia?

To help the child expel phlegm Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the tonsils?

To produce antibodies to fight respiratory infections Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary indication for giving IV fluids in the treatment of pneumonia?

If the child cannot take enough fluids by mouth Signup and view all the answers

At what age do the tonsils begin to shrink?

Around age 11 or 12 Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common cause of tonsillitis in elementary school-age children?

Viral infection Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for not giving digitalis to a child with pneumonia?

If the child's pulse rate is below 60 B/M Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of tonsillitis?

Red, swollen tonsils covered completely or in patches by pus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary way to assess the severity of pneumonia in a child?

By monitoring the child's behavior and chest signs Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended age for tonsillectomy?

Before 3 or 4 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of warm saline gargles in the management of tonsillitis?

To promote comfort Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to complete the full treatment period if antibiotics are prescribed?

To prevent antibiotic resistance Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended diet for a patient with tonsillitis?

A soft liquid diet Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of nursing care for a child with pneumonia?

To provide supportive and symptomatic care Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a child with severe pneumonia?

Chest indrawing Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of bacterial pneumonia in children?

Fever Signup and view all the answers

When is hospitalization indicated for a child with pneumonia?

When the child has pleural effusion or emphysema Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of administering antitussive to a child with pneumonia?

To promote rest Signup and view all the answers

What is a common physical finding in children with pneumonia?

Rapid and shallow respiration Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a child with very severe pneumonia?

Grunting and not able to drink Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to increase fluid intake in children with pneumonia?

To prevent dehydration Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using cool mist in the treatment of children with pneumonia?

To humidify the airways Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to allow children to determine their own position of comfort?

To facilitate breathing Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of lying on the affected side in children with unilateral pneumonia?

It splints the chest on that side Signup and view all the answers

Why is suctioning necessary for some children with pneumonia?

To maintain a patent airway Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of reducing anxiety and apprehension in children with pneumonia?

To reduce psychological distress Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to provide support to the family of a child with pneumonia?

To provide emotional support Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion can arise from inhalation of irritant vapors, dust, or pollen and may appear in epidemic form.
Symptoms include nasal discharge, sneezing, cough, fever, anorexia, restlessness, and irritability.
In young infants, nasal discharge can lead to nasal obstruction, interfering with feeding and respiration.

Treatment for Nasal Congestion

Clear the nose using saline nasal drops if it interferes with feeding.
Use paracetamol to treat fever.
Antibiotics are not indicated.
Rest is required, especially with fever and cough.
Increase fluid intake and use humidity to liquefy secretions and reduce cough.
Apply cold cream or Vaseline to lips to prevent excoriation.
Offer attractive food in small, frequent meals for anorexia.

Otitis Media

Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear, common in infancy and childhood, particularly in the first 3 years of life.
Causes include streptococcus pneumonia, haemophilus influenza, and staphylococcus.
Symptoms include otalgia, fever, irritability, pulling or rubbing on the affected ear, convulsions, and sudden shrill cries.
In late cases, the drum may perforate, resulting in purulent discharge.
Treatment involves antibiotics (amoxicillin or ampicillin) and symptomatic treatment with paracetamol to relieve pain and reduce fever.

Nursing Care Plan for Otitis Media

Pain related to pressure caused by inflammatory process.
Sleep pattern disturbance, insomnia, related to pain.
High risk for impaired skin integrity related to drainage.
Anxiety related to alteration in psychology of child and family.
Altered family process related to ill child.

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils, which are masses of lymphatic tissue located at the back of the throat.
The tonsils produce antibodies to help fight respiratory infections.
They are small at birth, increase in size until age 8 or 9, and begin to shrink around age 11 or 12.
Etiology includes viral infections, such as those that cause the common cold and influenza.
Symptoms include fever, bad breath, nasal congestion, swollen lymph nodes, red, swollen tonsils, difficulty swallowing, headache, and abdominal pain.

Management of Tonsillitis

Encourage bed rest and introduce a soft liquid diet.
Provide a cool mist atmosphere to keep the mucous membranes moist.
Use warm saline gargles and paracetamol to promote comfort.
Counsel parents about the necessity of completing antibiotic treatment if prescribed.
Surgical management (tonsillectomy) may be necessary.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an inflammation with consolidation of the parenchyma of the lung, leading to increased density and dullness of the lung area.
Forms of infectious pneumonia include:
- Anatomic distribution: lobar, bronchopneumonia, and interstitial pneumonia.
- Causative organism: bacterial, viral, and other infections such as mycoplasmic pneumonia.
Nursing assessment includes:
- General signs of pneumonia: fever, tachypnea, and cough.
- Respiratory signs: rhonchi, fine crackles, dullness with percussion, chest pain, retractions, and nasal flaring.
- Gastrointestinal signs: anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
- Behavioral signs: irritability, restlessness, and lethargy.

Therapeutic Management of Pneumonia

The majority of older children with pneumococcal pneumonia can be treated at home, especially if the condition is recognized and treated at an early stage.
Bed rest, antibiotic therapy, oral fluid intake, and administration of antipyretic and antitussive medications are the primary therapeutic measures.
Nursing assessment involves evaluating the degree of pneumonia:
- A: mild pneumonia with general and localized physical findings.
- B: severe pneumonia with chest indrawing.
- C: very severe pneumonia with additional danger signs such as grunting, inability to drink, and abnormal sleep.

Nursing Management of Pneumonia

Nursing care is primarily supportive and symptomatic to meet the needs of each child.
Isolation, rest, and conservation of energy are encouraged.
Increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration, and use mist tents with oxygen to provide a cool atmosphere.
Children may require frequent clothing and linen changes to prevent chilling.
Antitussive medication may be used to relieve cough, and suctioning may be necessary to maintain a patent airway.
Postural drainage and chest physiotherapy are prescribed to reduce anxiety and psychological distress.
Support is also necessary for the family.

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Description

This quiz assesses knowledge on the symptoms and treatment of allergic rhinitis, including nasal discharge, sneezing, cough, and fever. It also covers the impact on young infants and necessary treatment.