What age are infants still using the maternal antibodies?
Less than 6 months of age, this decreases the incidence of respiratory infections
When do infants start to produce their own antibodies?
3-6 months, risk for infection starts to increase
What age do kids have the highest rate of infection for respiratory infections?
toddler and preschool, higher chance of exposure increases the risk
How big is the diameter of a child’s airway?
around 4mm, the width of a straw
What kind of breathers are infants?
nose breathers, important to check for patent nares during an assessment
What location of retractions indicate a mild concern?
intercostal
What location of retraction indicate a moderate concern?
substernal, subcostal, and suprasternal
What location of retractions is a severe concern?
sternal
What is another name for nasopharyngitis?
The common cold (can be caused by flu, RSV, adenovirus, paraflu, and rhinovirus)
What are some clinical manifestations of Nasopharyngitis?
-fever
-irritibilty
-restlessness
-decreased appetite and fluid intake
-nasal inflammation
-vomit and diarrhea
What is the recommended home management for Nasopharyngitis?
-antipyretics
-increase fluid intake
-cough suppressant (under a physcian)
-rest
-NO decongestants until older
-NO antihistamines
-no OTC cold remedies
What is acute streptococcal Pharyngitis?
GABHS infection of the upper airway
What are you at risk for if you have strep?
Rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis
What are the clinical manifestations of strep?
-upset stomach
-lymphadenopathy
-vomiting
-fever
*out of school for 24 hrs after starting abx and educate on throwing out toothbrush to prevent reinfection
What is the treatment of strep?
Penicillin (oral): 10 days to decrease the risk of rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis
Penicillin G (IM): painful injection but helps with compliance
*use Erythromycin if allergic
What are the clinical manifestations of Tonsillitis ?
Tonsillar edema: obstructs passage of air and food, difficulty swallowing and breathing, if adenoids swollen, blocks post nares and become a mouth breather
What is the management of Tonsillitis?
Remove if 3 or more infections a year despite proper treatment
What are the nursing considerations for Tonsillitis?
soft diet, salt water gargles
Post surgery: side lying, frequent clearing of the throat and bright red blood indicate an active bleed, give patient a quiet environment and minimize agitation and crying
How is influenza spread?
By direct contact or by articles contaminated with NP secretions
When are you contagious with influenza?
24 hours before and after symptoms are present and subside
What medications are used to treat influenza?
Zanamivir (A and B) and Rimatadine (A)
When must you start antivirals in a patient with influenza?
within 48 hours of symptoms presenting
What medication should you avoid in children with influenza?
Aspirin because of Reye’s syndrome
How long should you wait before taking pharmacologic measures for uncomplicated otitis media?
72 hours
