Epiglottitis, Croup, Bronchiolitis - Pediatric Nursing - Respiratory Disorders | @LevelUpRN
Level Up RN・5 minutes read
Epiglottitis, croup, and bronchiolitis are respiratory disorders that require prompt recognition and treatment, each with distinct symptoms and management strategies like nebulized epinephrine for croup and mechanical ventilation for severe bronchiolitis. Nursing care involves keeping patients calm, hydrated, and providing oxygen therapy when necessary, tailored to the specific needs of each condition.
Insights
- Epiglottitis is a severe inflammation of the epiglottis, primarily affecting children aged 2-5 and those who are unvaccinated, leading to airway obstruction and characterized by symptoms such as high fever and respiratory distress.
- Different respiratory disorders like croup and bronchiolitis have distinct causes and symptoms, requiring specific treatments like nebulized epinephrine for croup and mechanical ventilation for severe cases of bronchiolitis, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis and tailored care for each condition.
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Recent questions
What is epiglottitis?
Epiglottitis is a life-threatening inflammation of the epiglottis, a cartilage flap at the top of the larynx, causing airway compromise, more common in younger children aged 2-5, and unvaccinated children, with symptoms like high fever, sore throat, and respiratory distress. It requires prompt medical attention to prevent airway obstruction.
What is croup?
Croup, or acute laryngotracheobronchitis, involves inflammation of the larynx, trachea, and bronchioles due to viral infections like parainfluenza, leading to a barking cough, inspiratory stridor, and respiratory distress. Treatment includes nebulized epinephrine and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and improve breathing.
What causes bronchiolitis?
Bronchiolitis is caused by RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and results in bronchiole inflammation and increased mucus production. Symptoms include cough, wheezing, and rapid breathing. Diagnosis is done through a nasopharyngeal swab, and treatment involves supportive care, with severe cases requiring mechanical ventilation.
How is epiglottitis treated?
Epiglottitis is treated with interventions to maintain the airway, such as intubation if necessary, along with antibiotics to address the underlying infection. It is crucial to keep the patient calm and provide oxygen therapy to ensure proper breathing and prevent complications.
What is the nursing care for respiratory disorders?
Nursing care for respiratory disorders like epiglottitis, croup, and bronchiolitis involves keeping patients calm, hydrated, and providing oxygen therapy if needed. Specific treatments may include nebulized epinephrine for croup and mechanical ventilation for severe cases of bronchiolitis. Nurses play a vital role in monitoring patients' respiratory status and ensuring they receive appropriate interventions to support their breathing.
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Summary
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Pediatric Respiratory Disorders: Symptoms and Treatments
- Epiglottitis is a life-threatening inflammation of the epiglottis, a cartilage flap at the top of the larynx, causing airway compromise, more common in younger children aged 2-5, and unvaccinated children, with symptoms like high fever, sore throat, and respiratory distress.
- Croup, or acute laryngotracheobronchitis, involves inflammation of the larynx, trachea, and bronchioles due to viral infections like parainfluenza, leading to a barking cough, inspiratory stridor, and respiratory distress, treated with nebulized epinephrine and corticosteroids.
- Bronchiolitis, caused by RSV, results in bronchiole inflammation and increased mucus production, with symptoms like cough, wheezing, and rapid breathing, diagnosed through a nasopharyngeal swab, treated supportively with mechanical ventilation in severe cases.
- Nursing care for these respiratory disorders includes keeping patients calm, hydrated, and providing oxygen therapy if needed, with specific treatments like intubation for epiglottitis and nebulized epinephrine for croup.
