NUR 324 Lecture 4: Management of Patients with Upper Respiratory Tract Disorders
Document Summary
Management of patients with upper respiratory tract disorders. Xerostomia dry mouth, could be a side effect of a medication. May be minor, acute, chronic, severe, or life threatening. Treated in community settings: doctor offices, urgent care clinics, long-term care facilities (conditions are very contagious), or self-care at home. Early detection of signs and symptoms and appropriate interventions can avoid unnecessary complications (hand washing is fact of prevention) Patient education focusses on prevention and health promotion. Viral infections, primarily: hard to come up with vaccine because of the different agents. Bacterial infection may also be present (sinus infection) Drug-induced (ace inhibitor; beta blocker; statins), make people have runny nose. Low grade fever (viral should not have a high grade) Determination etiology: viral, bacterial, allergic (will determine the course of care) Pharmacologic therapy: antihistamines; decongestants; oral or nasal administration (can be available otc, drugs can counteract effects.
