Pediatric Nursing Demystified

Stridor

Thick grayish green lesion on the pharynx and tonsils

Pharyngitis

Fever

Malaise

Nursing alert Lesions can obstruct the airway, especially in infants who have

small airways. Removal of the lesion risks bleeding.

Test Results

Culture and sensitivity test: Positive for C. diphtheria.

Serologic test: Identifies diphtheria toxin.

Treatment

Administer diphtheria antitoxin.

Administer antibiotic (Penicillin G, erythromycin) within 3 days of the

onset of the symptoms.

Nursing alert Assess if the patient is allergic to penicillin. If there is an aller-

gic reaction, administer erythromycin.

Nursing Intervention

Place the child in droplet isolation to prevent transmission of the

disease.

Everyone must wear gowns, masks, and gloves when in contact with the

patient.

Place the child on contact isolation if lesions are present.

Monitor for signs of airway obstruction.

Maintain bed rest.

Report the diagnoses to local health officials according to policy.

Explain the disorder and treatment to the family and to the patient.

Nursing alert Isolation precautions remain in effect until two consecutive neg-

ative nasopharyngeal cultures are received.

Haemophilus Influenzae Type B

What Went Wrong?

Haemophilus influenzaetype B (Hib) is a bacterial infection caused by the

Coccobacillus H. influenza bacteria, which is secondary to an upper respiratory

viral infection. Coccobacillus H. influenza bacteria is normal flora in the upper

(^306) Pediatric Nursing Demystified