Lewis Ch 26 upper respiratory problem Flashcards
(307 cards)
nose, sinuses, pharynx, and larynx
upper respiratory system, including
is a deflection of the normally straight nasal septum
Deviated septum
Trauma to the nose, either at birth or later in life, is the
most common cause of deviated septum.
both airflow and sinus drainage through the narrowed passageway.
Deviated septum can interfere with
asymptomatic to nasal congestion and frequent sinus infections
Minor septal deviations can range from
facial pain, nosebleeds (epistaxis), and obstruction to nasal breathing.
Manifestations of severe septal deviation include
focuses on symptom control.
-nasal inflammation and congestion, use saline rinses and decongestants to clear nasal passages and analgesics for pain relief
medical management of minor septal deviation
, a nasal septoplasty, done under local or general anesthetic, reconstructs and properly aligns the deviated septum.
severe septal deviation medical management
is the most common facial fracture and the third most common fracture of any bone
Nasal fracture
often occur from blunt trauma, including fights, automobile accidents, falls, and sports injuries.
cause Nasal fracture
(e.g., impacted, comminuted) or based on direction of injury (e.g., lateral, frontal)
classify nasal fractures according to the fracture pattern
may be unilateral or bilateral and typically have little or no displacement.
Simple fractures
complex fractures, which may involve damage to adjacent facial structures, such as the teeth or eyes.
Powerful frontal blows can cause
for injury to the cervical spine, orbital bone, or mandible.
Patients with complex nasal fractures should be evaluated
Complications include airway obstruction, nosebleeds, meningeal tears causing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, septal hematoma, and cosmetic deformity
Patients with complex nasal fractures complications
nosebleed, localized pain, crepitus on palpation, swelling, difficulty breathing out of the nostrils, and bruising.
nasal fractures manifestations
Periorbital bruising involving both eyes is called raccoon eyes. It suggests a basilar skull fracture
raccoon eyes
Clear or pink-tinged persistent drainage after control of bleeding
suggests a possible CSF leak
Checking this fluid for glucose at the bedside to help confirm the presence of CSF is not recommended because the result is highly unreliable.
Glucose on CSF leak (NOT reliable)
If needed, send a specimen to the laboratory to determine the fluid type.
Determine if its CSF leak
maintain a patent airway, reduce edema and pain, prevent complications, and provide emotional support
Goals of nursing management are to (nasal fracture)
best way to maintain the airway is to keep the patient sitting upright. Apply ice to the face and nose in 10- to 20-minute intervals to help reduce edema and bleeding. Give analgesia as ordered to control pain. Acetaminophen is preferred over nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetylsalicylic acid (ASA; aspirin) for the first 48 hours to avoid prolonging clotting time and increasing the risk for bleeding. Nasal stuffiness may be relieved with nasal decongestants, saline nasal sprays, and a humidifier. The patient should avoid hot showers and alcohol for the first 48 hours to prevent an increase in swelling. Encourage the patient to quit or decrease smoking to help tissue healing.
Medical management for nasal fracture
using closed or open reduction
fracture is confirmed, the goals are to realign the fracture
are often reduced with manual manipulation.
Simple fractures (management)