Timby's MedSurg 14e

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Caring for Clients With Upper Respiratory Disorders

Learning Objectives On completion of this chapter, you will be able to: 1. Describe nursing care for clients experiencing infectious or inflammatory upper respiratory disorders. 2. Discuss assessment data required to provide nursing care to clients with structural disorders of the upper airway. 3. Describe airway problems a client may experience following trauma or obstruction to the upper airway. 4. Identify risk factors that contribute to the development of laryngeal cancer. 5. Identify the earliest symptom of laryngeal cancer. 6. Discuss treatments for laryngeal cancer. 7. Describe measures used to promote alternative methods of communication for clients with a laryngectomy. 8. Discuss psychosocial issues that clients may experience following a laryngectomy. 9. Relate treatment modalities for clients experiencing short-term or long-term problems with airway management. 10. Identify possible reasons for and nursing management of a tracheostomy. 11. Explain why a client may require endotracheal intubation. D isorders of the upper airway range from common colds to cancer. The severity depends on the nature of the disorder and the client’s physiologic response. Most people experience common colds and sore throats and find them more inconvenient than serious. For oth ers, even the most common disorders of the upper respiratory airway are of great concern because other physical problems compound their effects.

Words To Know adenoidectomy adenoiditis aphonia apnea central sleep apnea complex sleep apnea coryza deviated septum epistaxis hemoptysis hypertrophied turbinates laryngitis laryngoscopy laryngospasm nasal polyps obstructive sleep apnea peritonsillar abscess pharyngitis polysomnography rhinitis rhinorrhea sinusitis stridor tonsillectomy tonsillitis

tracheostomy tracheotomy

Gerontologic Considerations

■ Upper respiratory infections (URIs), including the common cold, may be potentially serious for older adults, especially when they have other diseases such as a chronic respiratory disorder or heart disease. Teach older adults to see a healthcare provider if cold symptoms are severe, do not resolve in 7 to 10 days, or if breathing is difficult. ■ Teaching for older clients must include potential side effects of over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as antihistamines or cough suppressants. Antihistamines may increase dryness and contribute to confusion or diz ziness (which increases fall risks). These OTC medications may also prevent effective airway clearance by cough

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