Upper Respiratory System Disorders

Study Notes

Upper Respiratory System

The upper respiratory system consists of the nose, sinuses, pharynx, and larynx.
Conditions affecting this system primarily impact ventilation and oxygen availability.
Other concerns include inadequate sleep, impaired nutrition, altered smell and taste, depression, and changes in body image.
Psychological impacts may also occur, such as difficulties with sexuality.

Structural and Traumatic Disorders of the Nose

A deviated septum is a misalignment of the normally straight nasal septum.
This can result from trauma, normal childhood growth, or congenital defects.
A deviated septum causes obstruction to nasal breathing, nasal edema, and dryness of the nasal mucosa.
A nasal fracture, caused by trauma or forceful impact, can be unilateral or bilateral.
Unilateral fractures typically cause little displacement, while bilateral fractures flatten the nose.
Complex fractures, often involving additional cranial bones, are caused by powerful frontal blows.
Assessment includes evaluating breathing through each nostril, identifying periorbital bruising (which may indicate a basilar skull fracture), and looking for a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.
Initial interventions include reducing edema and bleeding through ice application.
Surgical procedures such as rhinoplasty and septoplasty address cosmetic appearance, proper function, and airway maintenance.

Nursing Management for Nasal Surgery

Avoid NSAIDs and aspirin for two weeks before surgery.
Post-operatively, assess respiratory status, pain levels, signs of hemorrhage, and edema.
Educate patients about potential complications such as prolonged bleeding, heavy bleeding, vision problems, black eyes, or fever.
Patients should be able to identify these complications and seek immediate medical attention.

Upper Respiratory System

The upper respiratory system consists of the nose, sinuses, pharynx, and larynx.
Primary concern with conditions of the upper respiratory system is the impact on ventilation and oxygen availability.
Other concerns include:
- Inadequate sleep
- Impaired ability to maintain adequate nutrition
- Changes in senses of smell and taste
- Depression
- Changes in body image
- Sexuality

Structural and Traumatic Disorders of the Nose

Deviated septum is the misalignment of the nasal septum.
- Can occur due to trauma, normal childhood growth, or a congenital defect.
- The septum is bent to one side, affecting airflow and nasal drainage.
- Symptoms include obstruction to nasal breathing, nasal edema, and dryness of the nasal mucosa.
Nasal fracture is caused by trauma or substantial force to the middle of the face.
- A unilateral fracture typically produces little or no displacement.
- Bilateral fractures are the most common and give the nose a flattened look.
- Powerful frontal blows can cause complex fractures, which may also shatter frontal bones.
Assessment for Nasal Fracture:
- Assess the ability to breathe through each side of the nose.
- Periorbital bruising of both eyes often suggests a basilar skull fracture.
- Assess for CSF leak – clear, pink-tinged fluid from the nose or ear (send to lab for testing).
Management for Nasal Fracture:
- Reduce edema and bleeding – ice on the nose and forehead.
- Prevent complications.
- Provide emotional support.
- Surgical procedures to re-establish cosmetic appearance, proper function of the nose, and provide an adequate airway.
Rhinoplasty – surgery on the nose to remodel and reconstruct the external nose.
Septoplasty – rhinoplasty + reconstruction/remodeling of the nasal septum.

Nursing Management for Nasal Surgery

No NSAIDs or medications containing Aspirin for 2 weeks pre-surgery.
Assess respiratory status, pain management, signs of hemorrhage, and edema post-op.
Patient should be able to identify complications (bright red bleeding lasting longer than 10 minutes, heavy bleeding, vision problems, black eyes, or fever).

Description

This quiz explores the upper respiratory system, focusing on its components and the conditions that affect it. It covers structural and traumatic disorders of the nose, including deviated septum and fractures. Understand the implications on ventilation, oxygen availability, and the psychological impacts associated with these disorders.