TONSILITIS DEFINITION, causes, types, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, nursing management

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SUBJECT – MEDICALAND SURGICAL NURSING
TOPIC – TONSILITIS
PREPARED BY DOLISHA WARBI

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TONSILITIS:
Definition:
CAUSES:
Bacterial infection – Streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, pneumonia, strep throat, whooping cough.
Viral infection – cold virus, HSV, measles.
Allergic reaction - hay fever.

3. TYPES:
1.Acute Tonsillitis: Sudden onset of symptoms, usually caused by infections.
2.Chronic Tonsillitis: Recurrent inflammation of the tonsils, often lasting for an extended period.
SYMPTOMS:
1.Sore throat: Pain or discomfort in the throat.
2.Swollen tonsils: Enlarged and red tonsils.
3.Difficulty swallowing: Due to throat pain.
4.Fever: Often present, especially in bacterial infections.
5.Headache and ear pain: Common accompanying symptoms.
6.Bad breath: Resulting from the accumulation of pus on the tonsils (in bacterial infections).
DIAGNOSIS:
1.Medical History: Including recent illnesses and symptoms.
2.Physical Examination: Inspection of the throat, checking for redness, swelling, or pus.
3.Throat Culture: To identify the causative organism, especially in cases of bacterial tonsillitis.
4.Blood Tests: To detect a bacterial infection or to check for mononucleosis.
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4. TREATMENT:
1. Antibiotics: If bacterial infection is confirmed.
2. Antiviral medications: For viral tonsillitis.
3. Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications to alleviate discomfort.
4. Warm saltwater gargle: Helps soothe the throat.
5. Rest: Adequate rest to support the body's healing process.
6. Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
SURGICAL TREATMENT:
Tonsillectomy.
NURSING MANAGEMENT:
1. Comfort Measures: Provide throat lozenges, warm beverages, and a cool-mist humidifier.
2. Monitor Vital Signs: Regularly check temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate.
3. Encourage Fluid Intake: Ensure the patient stays well-hydrated.
4. Administer Medications: Administer antibiotics or other prescribed medications as per the healthcare provider's
instructions.
5. Education: Educate the patient on the importance of completing the full course of antibiotics, proper hygiene, and
when to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
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5. Nursing management:
History taking of the patient.
Provide physical examination to determine the causes.
Improve nutritional status of the patient.
Nursing diagnosis:
Ineffective airway clearance related to pus or mucus formation secondary to inflammation.
Acute pain related to the presence of inflammation in the tonsil.
Imbalanced nutritional less than body requirement related to inadequate intake.
Hyperthermia related to acute infections by microorganism.
Disturbed sleep pattern related to pain in the tonsil area.
NURSING INTERVENTION:
Suctioning or sight lying position to facilitate drainage of secretion.
Administer analgesic and antipyretic as order.
A soft and liquid diet is provided.
Tepid sponge in to reduce temperature.
Warm saltwater gargles.
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