Title: Respiratory Diseases in Pediatric Client
Course: NUR 1411C Nursing for the Family Part 2 > Section: Module 2

Respiratory tract infections account for the majority of acute illnesses in children. These infections are influenced by age of the child, preexisting conditions and the season of the year. Respiratory illnesses in children affect both lower and upper airways. Respiratory infections are a primary reason most children and families seek medical care.

Diseases of the ear, nose, and throat are most common respiratory infections in children. Topics included are nasopharyngitis, otitis media, and tonsillitis. The incidence of asthma is on the rise nationally and affects the morbidity and mortality of children affected. Poorly controlled or undertreated asthma also influences the cost of health care and economy in terms of numbers of hospitalizations and ER visits, missed work and school days. Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited autosomal recessive disease that affects the mucous producing organs of the body leading to multiple organ system involvement from mechanical obstruction. The primary systems affected are the pulmonary and Gastro intestinal organs. In Preparation for this module, please review pediatric physical assessment techniques in your Perry text p.907-916.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:

- Discuss the factors that influence the incidence and impact the severity of respiratory illness infants and older children.
- Discuss the nursing guidelines for managing infants and children with symptoms of respiratory infection.
  - Describe the etiology and management of the following diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract:
  - Croup
  - Pertussis
  - Bronchiolitis/RSV
  - Epiglotitis
- Formulate a teaching plan for the child with Asthma. Including:
  - Etiology, Pathophysiology
  - Symptoms and triggers
  - Categories of Asthma severity
  - Medical management
  - Home management
  - The Asthma Action Plan
- Describe the etiology and management for a child with:
  - Status Asthmaticus
  - Exercise induced Asthma
- Describe the pathology and diagnostic criteria for children with Cystic Fibrosis. Include the physiologic consequences of Cystic fibrosis on:
  - The Pulmonary System
  - The Gastrointestinal System
  - The Endocrine System
- Formulate a plan of care for the therapeutic and home management of the child with cystic fibrosis.
- Define and describe the etiology and management of the following:
  - Nasopharyngitis
  - Acute Otitis Media
  - Chronic Otitis Media
  - Tonsillitis
- Describe the pre/postoperative care of a child with a tonsillectomy.

Readings

- Chapter 34: p. 907-916
- Chapter 46: p. 1303-1316
- Chapter 46: p. 1318-1324
- Chapter 46: p. 1326
- Chapter 46: p.1334-1353

Websites - Video Lectures

All open in new window, 3-8 minutes each

- What is Whooping Cough (Pertussis)?
- Pertussis Cough Video
- Children's ENT: What are Common Signs of Asthma in Children?
- Common Signs and Symptoms of Asthma
- Childhood Asthma
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation: Sweat Test