QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
what is the post operative care for a tonsillectomy? - Typically not performed on children
3 and under.
POST OP:
- Immediately post op, pt is placed on Sims sidelying with knee flexed to hold the
position
- Increased heart rate, respiration's, restlessness, swallowing, or vomiting up bright red
blood are signs of bleeding.
- Small amts of clear liquids given as tolerated (no red or brown juices) Popsicle are
good (no red or brown)
- Avoid coughing or clearing of the throat to reduce post op bleeding
- Hemorrhage is most common complication
-NO MILK or MILK products
what is cystic fibrosis and what causes it? - *MAJOR CAUSE OF SERIOUS CHRONIC
LUNG DISEASE*
Exocrine gland dysfunction that includes increased viscosity (thickness) of mucous
gland secretions, and a loss of elytes in sweat because of abnormal chloride movement.
-Inherited recessive trait, with both parents carrying a gene for the disease
What are the symptoms of cystic fibrosis? - Respiratory system—obstructed by
secretions
Digestive system—secretions prevent digestive enzymes from flowing to GI tract,
results in poor absorption of food
Bulky, foul-smelling stools that are frothy because of the undigested fat content
Skin—loss of electrolytes in sweat causes "salty" skin surface
Reproductive system—secretions decrease sperm motility; thick cervical mucus can
inhibit sperm from reaching fallopian tubes
What is PKU? - Phenylketonuria
-genetic disorder caused by the faulty metabolism of phenylalanine (amino acid
essential to life and found in protein foods)
-Phenylalanine cannot be broken down and builds up in blood causing severe
retardation
-Heel stick blood test done at birth to test for it
what is the dietary management of PKU? - - low protein diet
- avoid any foods that contain phenylalanine
- Meat, dairy, and diet drinks are avoided
- careful dietary management
, What is down syndrome? - Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes lifelong
mental retardation, developmental delays and other problems. Down syndrome varies in
severity, so developmental problems range from moderate to serious.
What causes down syndrome? - A congenital defect resulting in chromosomal
abnormalities. An extra chromosome is usually present on the 21st pair (Trisomy 21)
what are the S/S of down syndrome? - Happy-go-lucky personality
Small, rounded skull with a flat occiput
Upward-slanting eyes
Broad, flat nose; low-set ears
Protruding tongue
Short, thick neck
Hypotonic extremities
Mottled skin
Simian crease on the palmar side of the hand
Intellectual impairment
what is leukemia? - *Most common form of cancer in childhood*
Malignant disease of the blood-forming organs of the body that results in an
uncontrolled growth of immature WBC's
-WBC's are immature and do not function properly therefor dont provide ability to fight
infection
-Reduced platelet counts cause bleeding tendencies and fragile bones
-Body can metabolically starve
how is leukemia diagnosed and treated? - -Based on history and symptoms
-Results of extensive blood tests
-Demonstrate presence of leukemic blast cells in the blood, bone marrow, or their
tissues (BONE MARROW ASPIRATION)
-X-rays of the long bones show changes
-Spinal tap may be done to check for CNS involvement
-Kidney and liver function studies are done
-The adequacy of their function is essential to the outcomes of chemotherapy
what is club foot and name the types? - Deformity of the foot and ankle where the foot is
twisted or bent out of shape as a result of hereditary factors or abnormal position in
utero.
-Talipes equinovarus- heel/foot/extension/bent inward
-Talipes equinovlagus- heel/foot/extension/bent outward
how is club foot treated? - -Passive exercises
-Casting to move into normal position, changed frequently and requires petaling to
protect skin.
-Dennis-Browne splint in mild cases