NURS 3525 - EXAM ONE - Combined With Complete
Solutions 2025-2026
Allergic Rhinitis
Inflammation of the nasal mucosa, usually due to a specific allergen
Seasonal Rhinitis
During spring and fall due to pollen from trees, flowers, weeds, or grasses
Perennial Rhinitis
Present throughout the year caused by environmental allergens such as dust mites,
animal dander, cockroaches, fungi, mold
Episodic, intermittent, & persistent
What are the types of rhinitis?
Episodic Rhinitis
Symptoms related to intermittent exposure to allergen not typically present in usual
environment
Intermittent rhinitis
Symptoms present < 4 days/week or < 4 weeks/year
Persistent rhinitis
Symptoms present > 4 days/week or > 4 weeks/year
,Sneezing, watery, itchy eyes and nose, ↓ sense of smell, and thin, watery nasal
discharge leading to ↑ mucus production and congestion
What are the clinical manifestations of allergic rhinitis?
Nasal turbinates pale, boggy, swollen
What are the physical assessments for allergic rhinitis?
HA, stuffy nose, nasal congestion, ↑ sinus pressure. Nasal polyps, postnasal drip results
in cough + hoarseness
What are the clinical manifestations of chronic exposure to allergens?
Avoid triggers of allergic reactions
What is the nonpharmacologic management of allergic rhinitis?
↓ inflammation, reduce nasal symptoms, minimize complications, maximize QOL
What is the pharmacologic goal for allergic rhinitis?
H1-antihistamines (Benadryl, Claritin, allegra), decongestants (pseudoephedrine, afrin),
leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs)
What are some examples of oral medications for allergic rhinitis?
Antihistamines, anticholinergics, corticosteroids, mast-cell stabilizers, decongestants
What are some examples of intranasal medications for allergic rhinitis?
Allergy shots
What are some examples of immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis?
,Upper respiratory infection (URI)
Infection of the nose, mouth, or throat
Bacterial or viral
Are URIs bacterial, fungal, or viral?
Airborne droplets of the infected individual: breathing, talking, sneezing, or coughing +
can survive on inanimate objects for 3 days
How are URIs spread?
Fatigue, physical and emotional stress, allergies affecting nose and throat and
compromised immune status
What ↑ the risk for URIs?
Handwashing, neutropenic precautions
How do you prevent URIs?
Runny nose, watery eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing, cough, sore throat, fever, HA,
fatigue
What are the clinical manifestations of URIs?
2-14 days, contagious 1-2 days < symptoms onset + until symptoms subside
How long do URI symptoms last + when are Pts contagious?
Relieve symptoms, prevent complication
What do you do for URIs??
Rest, fluids, antipyretics, analgesics, antihistamines
How do you relieve URI symptoms??
, Acute bronchitis, sinusitis, otitis media, tonsilitis, pneumonia. Antibiotics do not treat
viruses
What are the possible complications of URIs??
↑ fever, swollen glands, severe sinus + ear pain, worsening symptoms
What do we look for during URIs to prevent complications??
Viral. Classified in 4 serotypes A,B,C,D. A/B significant to humans, A most common +
virulent virus.
What is the etymology of influenza?
B/t humans through infected droplets, inhalation of aerosolized particles, and in a lesser
extent through direct contact with contaminated surfaces
How is influenza contagious?
Abrupt onset, chills, fever, generalized myalgia, HA, cough, sore throat, fatigue
What are the clinical manifestations of influenza?
Gradual vs. abrupt onset, no fever vs. fever, no HA vs. HA, slight vs. severe myalgia,
occasional vs. usual fatigue
What are the manifestations of the common cold vs. influenza?
Bronchitis, pneumonia, acute respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress
syndrome (ARDS)
What are the complications of influenza?
Cultures done via nose + throat can identify causative agents.
Rapid test screens for A/B, can get false positive
What diagnostics are used in a Pt. w/influenza?