Module 9 Part 2 Pharyngitis Adult Flashcards
What is the Sore Throat Scorecard used for?
The Sore Throat Scorecard is used to assist health practitioners in determining the need for antibiotic therapy in patients with upper respiratory tract infection symptoms and a sore throat.
How are points assigned in the Sore Throat Scorecard?
Points are assigned based on specific criteria, including temperature, the presence of cough, swollen cervical nodes, tonsillar symptoms, and the patient’s age.
What is the risk of Streptococcal infection when the total score is 0 to 2 points?
The risk of Streptococcal infection is 20% or less when the total score is 0 to 2 points.
When should you perform a culture or rapid antigen test according to the Sore Throat Scorecard?
If the total score is 3 to 4 points, it is recommended to perform a culture or rapid antigen test.
What is the management approach if the total score is 5 to 10 points?
If the total score is 5 to 10 points, you should treat only if the test is positive for Group A Strep.
In what circumstances should you start antibiotic therapy according to the Sore Throat Scorecard?
Antibiotic therapy should be started if the patient has a high fever, is clinically unwell, and presents early in the disease course when the total score is 4 or more points. If the culture or rapid antigen test is negative, antibiotics should be discontinued.
What percentage of uncomplicated pharyngitis in adults is typically caused by viral infections?
80-90% of uncomplicated pharyngitis in adults is typically caused by viral infections.
What are the clinical features indicative of a viral pharyngitis?
Clinical features include conjunctivitis, cough, hoarseness, coryza, anterior stomatitis, and discrete ulcerative lesions.
What is the first-line antibiotic for treating bacterial pharyngitis caused by Group A Strep (GAS) in adults, and what are the dosing options?
Penicillin V is the first-line antibiotic, with dosing options of 300 mg (500,000 units) three times a day (TID) or 600 mg twice a day (BID).
What are the second-line antibiotics for treating bacterial pharyngitis caused by GAS in adults?
Second-line antibiotics include Cephalexin, Cefadroxil, Cefuroxime, and Cefprozil.
Which bacterial pathogen, prevalent in adolescents and young adults, can cause pharyngitis and may lead to Lemierre’s syndrome?
Fusobacterium necrophorum can cause pharyngitis and may lead to Lemierre’s syndrome in adolescents and young adults.
How can dexamethasone benefit adults and children with sore throats?
Dexamethasone may provide pain relief for adults and children with sore throats, with earlier onset of relief and quicker time to pain resolution.
