Pharyngitis is a medical term used to describe inflammation of the pharynx, which is the part of the throat located behind the mouth and nasal cavity. This condition is typically caused by a viral or bacterial infection, and it is a common illness that affects people of all ages.
Causes of Pharyngitis:
- The most common cause of pharyngitis is a viral infection, which can be caused by the common cold, flu, or other respiratory viruses.
- Bacterial infections, such as streptococcal infections, can also cause pharyngitis.
- Other causes of pharyngitis include allergies, irritants, and reflux of stomach acid into the throat.
Symptoms of Pharyngitis:
- Sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Headache, fatigue, and body aches (in some cases)
- Rash or stomach pain (in some cases)
Nursing Diagnosis for Pharyngitis
Based on the assessment data, the major nursing diagnoses are:
- Ineffective breathing pattern related to the inflammatory process in the respiratory tract.
- Ineffective airway clearance is related to mechanical obstruction of the airway secretions and increased production of secretions.
- Anxiety related to the disease experienced by the child.
Nursing Care Plan for Pharyngitis
Assessment
- Obtain a thorough health history, including any current medications or allergies
- Assess the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, and blood pressure
- Evaluate the patient's level of pain, discomfort, and ability to swallow
- Assess the patient's fluid balance and hydration status
- Evaluate the patient's respiratory status and airway clearance
- Assess for any signs of complications, such as fever or difficulty breathing
Nursing Interventions
Comfort Measures
- Administer prescribed pain medication as directed
- Encourage the patient to rest and provide a quiet, comfortable environment
- Offer cool, non-irritating fluids and foods to soothe the throat
- Provide warm, moist compresses to the neck
- Provide education on self-care and management of pain
Hydration Management
- Encourage increased fluid intake, including cool, non-irritating fluids
- Monitor the patient's fluid balance and hydration status
- Administer intravenous fluids as directed, if necessary
- Provide education on the importance of adequate fluid intake
Infection Prevention
- Educate the patient on proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
- Provide education on the importance of completing any prescribed antibiotics
- Encourage the patient to cover coughs and sneezes
- Monitor for signs of infection, such as fever or increased difficulty breathing
Airway Clearance
- Encourage deep breathing and coughing exercises
- Administer prescribed bronchodilators or other respiratory treatments as directed
- Assist with suctioning as needed
- Monitor for signs of respiratory distress
Anxiety Management
- Provide emotional support and reassurance
- Encourage the patient to express concerns and fears
- Provide education on the illness and its management
- Offer relaxation techniques, such as guided imagery and deep breathing exercises
Evaluation
- Assess the patient's response to nursing interventions
- Evaluate the patient's level of pain, discomfort, and ability to swallow
- Monitor the patient's fluid balance and hydration status
- Evaluate the patient's respiratory status and airway clearance
- Assess for any signs of complications or infection
- Evaluate the patient's anxiety level and coping mechanisms
graph TD
A[Pharyngitis] -- Causes --> B((Viral Infection))
A -- Causes --> C((Bacterial Infection))
A -- Causes --> D((Allergies, Irritants, Reflux))
A -- Symptoms --> E[Sore throat, Difficulty swallowing, Fever, Swollen lymph nodes, Headache, Fatigue, Body aches, Rash, Stomach pain]
A -- Nursing Diagnosis --> F(Ineffective breathing pattern, Ineffective airway clearance, Anxiety)
A -- Nursing Care Plan --> G(Assessment)
G -- Obtain health history, vital signs, pain evaluation, fluid balance, respiratory status, complications --> H[Nursing Interventions]
H -- Comfort Measures, Hydration Management, Infection Prevention, Airway Clearance, Anxiety Management --> I[Evaluation]
I -- Assess response to nursing interventions, pain and swallowing ability, fluid balance, respiratory status, complications, anxiety level and coping mechanisms --> A