Ear/Eye/Throat

Question 1

Define:

Strabismus

Answer 1

“Cross-eye”.

It is normal for children less than 4 months old.

Question 2

Treatment:

Strabismus

Answer 2

• possible glasses
• patch the good eye to strengthen the bad eye

Question 3

Describe:

Conjunctivitis

Answer 3

Known as “pink eye”. It can be from allergies or from an infection.

If it’s from an infection, it’s highly contagious and requires contact precautions.

Question 4

Signs and Symptoms:

Conjunctivitis

Answer 4

Purulent drainage and eye crusts.

Question 5

Teaching:

Conjunctivitis

Answer 5

• wash hands and don’t share towels
• don’t rub eyes
• throw away used contacts and makeup

Question 6

Interventions:

Conjunctivitis

Answer 6

• if conjunctivitis is from a bacterial infection, give antibiotic eye drops
• If it’s viral, it will improve without treatment
• If it’s from allergies, give an antihistamine eye drops such as Visine

Question 7

Describe:

Otitis media

Answer 7

An ear infection typically in the middle ear caused by a blocked eustachian tube.

It is a common complication of a respiratory infection.

Question 8

What is the teaching to parents to prevent otitis media in an infant?

Answer 8

1. feed infants sitting upright to prevent formula or breastmilk getting into middle ear
2. avoid getting upper respiratory infections - get vaccinations
3. avoid irritation - avoid smoking and allergens around infant

Question 9

Interventions:

Otitis media

Answer 9

1. Encourage fluid intake to break up secretions
2. Can be painful
   
   • apply heat or cold to ear
   • lie with the affected ear down

Question 10

Medications:

Otitis media

Answer 10

• analgesics or antipyretics to decrease pain and fever
• antibiotics PO or ear drops

Question 11

How are ear drops administered in a child?

Answer 11

• < 3 years old, pull earlobe down and back
• > 3 years old, pull pinna up and back

Question 12

Describe:

Tonsillitis and Adenoiditis

Answer 12

Infections and inflammations of the tonsils that are in the back of the throat.

It is caused by an infection, especially from strep throat.

Question 13

What is the last resort treatment for tonsilitis and adenoiditis?

Answer 13

Surgery to remove the tonsils and adenoids.

Question 14

How is a child positioned after a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy?

Answer 14

On their side or prone to promote drainage of secretions.

Question 15

What should be kept at the bedside in case of an emergency for a child post-tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy?

Answer 15

Suction for airway obstruction.

Do not use suction unless you absolutely have to. Trauma and bleeding can occur.

Question 16

What types of foods and fluids should be avoided post-tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy?

Answer 16

• Avoid foods that are red, purple, or brown since it can mask bleeding.
• Avoid milk products such as ice cream, milk, and pudding since it can coat the throat and cause coughing and trauma.

Question 17

What should NOT be placed in the mouth after a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy?

Answer 17

Do NOT place straws, forks, or sharp objects in the mouth due to possible trauma.

Question 18

What are the steps for a nose bleed (epistaxis)?

Answer 18

1. have child sit up and lean forward (not lie down)
2. apply continuous pressure to the nose with thumb and forefinger for at least 10 minutes
3. If bleeding continues: gently insert cotton or wadded tissue in the nostril and apply ice to bridge of nose