Introduction to the Upper Respiratory System

Every question here, with the answer

1. A client has had a stuffy, runny nose with clear drainage for six weeks. How should the nurse classify this rhinitis?

   1. Laryngitis
   2. Chronic
   3. Pharyngitis
   4. Acute

   Answer: Chronic

   Rhinitis is considered chronic if it lasts longer than 4 weeks. Acute rhinitis is shorter and usually due to viral illness or seasonal allergies, and laryngitis and pharyngitis involve other structures.

2. A client reports symptoms that the nurse suspects are sinusitis. Which findings support this? Select all that apply.

   1. Headache
   2. Runny nose lasting longer than 7–10 days
   3. Swelling around the eyes
   4. Facial pain
   5. Sudden loss of the voice as the only symptom

   Answer: Headache, Runny nose lasting longer than 7–10 days, Swelling around the eyes, Facial pain

   Headache, facial pain, swelling around the eyes, and a runny nose lasting longer than 7–10 days are listed symptoms of sinusitis. Hoarseness and difficulty speaking point to laryngitis.

3. A client with seasonal allergic rhinitis asks what the best way to manage it is. Which response is most accurate?

   1. Breathe through your mouth to bypass the nose.
   2. Rhinitis cannot be managed.
   3. Avoid and prevent the triggers; medicines are added if symptoms persist.
   4. Take antibiotics at the first sneeze.

   Answer: Avoid and prevent the triggers; medicines are added if symptoms persist.

   Prevention and avoidance of triggers are the ideal methods, with antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays if symptoms persist. Antibiotics are not listed for rhinitis, and mouth breathing skips warming and filtering.

4. A client with rhinitis asks why they keep coughing when the problem is in their nose. What should the nurse explain?

   1. Histamine has no role in these symptoms.
   2. The infection has spread directly to the lungs.
   3. Secretions draining down the throat irritate it and cause coughing.
   4. Coughing is caused by the larynx closing.

   Answer: Secretions draining down the throat irritate it and cause coughing.

   Rhinitis increases secretion production, and secretions draining down the throat cause irritation and coughing. The other options are not supported, and histamine produces many rhinitis symptoms.

5. A client asks what can cause a sore throat (pharyngitis). Which causes should the nurse include? Select all that apply.

   1. Strep throat
   2. Influenza
   3. Only bacterial infections
   4. Allergies
   5. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

   Answer: Strep throat, Influenza, Allergies, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

   Pharyngitis is typically caused by viral or bacterial infections such as the common cold, influenza, or strep throat, and noninfectious causes include allergies and GERD. It is not limited to bacterial causes.

6. A client has hoarseness, difficulty speaking, and an irritating cough that began suddenly two days ago. What should the nurse tell the client about the usual course?

   1. It always requires antibiotics.
   2. It typically resolves without treatment in about a week.
   3. It is considered chronic after 4 days.
   4. It requires referral to an immunologist.

   Answer: It typically resolves without treatment in about a week.

   These are symptoms of laryngitis, which typically resolves without treatment in about a week. Antibiotics are not required, the 4-week chronic threshold applies to rhinitis, and referral is mentioned for chronic sinusitis.