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Oxford University Press makes no representation, express or implied, that the drug dosages in this book are correct. Readers must therefore always … More Oxford University Press makes no representation, express or implied, that the drug dosages in this book are correct. Readers must therefore always check the product information and clinical procedures with the most up to date published product information and data sheets provided by the manufacturers and the most recent codes of conduct and safety regulations. The authors and the publishers do not accept responsibility or legal liability for any errors in the text or for the misuse or misapplication of material in this work. Except where otherwise stated, drug dosages and recommendations are for the non-pregnant adult who is not breastfeeding. You do not currently have access to this chapter. Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 November 2012 John DoyleAffiliation: Cleveland Clinic Foundation
SummaryAn understanding of anatomy is paramount to the ability to safely anesthetize the head and neck surgery patient. The basic underlying structure of the face is formed by the skull, facial bones and mandible. The cochlear hair cells activate the cochlear nerve, resulting in hearing transmission. The labyrinthine and tympanic portions of the facial nerve lie in close proximity to these structures and may be dehiscent, necessitating lack of neuromuscular blockade and close monitoring of facial movements during certain otologic procedures. The nose projects from the face largely based on the amount of cartilage. The oral cavity therefore includes the lips, buccal mucosa, maxillary and mandibular alveolar ridges/teeth/gingiva, floor of the mouth, hard palate, the retromolar trigone and the anterior oral tongue. Neck anatomy can be significantly altered by cancer or cancer treatments including surgery and radiation or chemoradiation therapy. Type ChapterInformation Publisher: Cambridge University Press Print publication year: 2012 Access optionsGet access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.) OverviewWhat is epiglottitis?Epiglottitis is inflammation and swelling of your epiglottis. Your epiglottis is a thin flap of cartilage near the base of your tongue. It keeps food and liquids from going down your windpipe (trachea) when you swallow. You may also hear the term “acute epiglottitis.” This refers to the very sudden and intense onset of symptoms, including difficulty breathing and swallowing. Who does epiglottitis affect?Epiglottitis can affect people of any age. It affects men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) more than women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) at a rate of 2.5 to 1. How common is epiglottitis?Before the widespread use of Hib vaccinations in 1985, epiglottitis mainly affected children between the ages of 3 and 5. By the year 2000, the annual incidence of invasive Hib infection, a primary cause of epiglottitis, in children ages 3 to 5 decreased 99%, to less than 1 case out of every 100,000. Symptoms and CausesWhat are typical signs and symptoms of epiglottitis?Epiglottitis symptoms usually appear suddenly and get worse quickly. Sometimes, in older children and adults, it may take a few days for symptoms to fully develop. The most common epiglottitis symptoms include:
What are the 4 Ds of epiglottitis?Healthcare providers sometimes refer to the most common epiglottitis symptoms as “the four Ds”:
What causes epiglottitis?In most cases, Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) bacteria cause epiglottitis. This is sometimes called acute bacterial epiglottitis. Hib bacteria can also cause pneumonia and meningitis. Other possible epiglottis causes include:
Is epiglottitis contagious?It can be. If epiglottitis is the result of a bacterial, fungal or viral infection, then it can spread from person to person through droplets of saliva or mucus. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, droplets move through the air. If another person breathes in those droplets, or comes into contact with a surface where the germs have landed, they can also develop an infection. People who develop epiglottitis from injury or from smoking can’t pass the condition to others. Diagnosis and TestsHow is epiglottitis diagnosed?Your healthcare provider will perform a physical examination and ask about your symptoms. They may also request certain tests that can help diagnose epiglottitis. These tests may include:
Epiglottitis often shares a number of common symptoms with other conditions, such as croup. As a result, proper diagnosis and treatment are key. Management and TreatmentHow is epiglottitis treated?Epiglottitis is a medical emergency. If you or someone you know exhibits epiglottitis symptoms — such as difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness or drooling — call 911 or head to your nearest emergency room. At the hospital, healthcare providers will begin epiglottitis treatment:
How long does it take to recover from epiglottitis treatment?For most people, it takes about one week to fully recover from epiglottitis. You’ll probably spend between five and seven days in the hospital. PreventionHow can I prevent epiglottitis?While you can’t prevent epiglottitis altogether, there are things you can do to significantly reduce your risk:
Outlook / PrognosisWhat can I expect if I have epiglottitis?Epiglottitis is a medical emergency. But when addressed quickly, treatment is typically successful. Most people recover in about a week. Is epiglottitis fatal?Rarely, epiglottitis can be fatal. Fewer than 1 in 100 cases of epiglottitis result in death. Living WithWhen should I see my healthcare provider?Epiglottitis can be life-threatening if swelling closes off air passages to your lungs. If you think you or someone you know might have epiglottitis, call 911. You should never put anyone with epiglottitis on their back or allow them to have anything in their mouth. Try to remain calm, as stress can worsen the tightening of someone’s throat. A note from Cleveland Clinic Epiglottitis, or inflammation of your epiglottis, can result in several serious symptoms, including difficulty breathing and swallowing. It’s a medical emergency. If you or someone you know exhibits epiglottitis symptoms, call 911 or head to your nearest emergency room immediately. With prompt and proper care, epiglottitis treatment is usually successful. Most people recover quickly and can go home from the hospital within one week. Which structure in the neck is responsible for deflecting fluid and food away from the larynx and towards the esophagus?Epiglottis. When examining the face the nurse is aware that the two pairs of salivary glands that are accessible on examination are?Two pairs of salivary glands accessible to examination on the face are the parotid glands, which are in the cheeks over the mandible, anterior to and below the ear; and the submandibular glands, which are beneath the mandible at the angle of the jaw.
When assessing the face which area is best for assessing symmetry of facial features?A nurse is performing a head and neck assessment on a client. Which area should the nurse inspect for facial symmetry? Explanation: The nasolabial folds are ideal places to check facial features for symmetry.
Which proportion would be the best indication of a Normocephalic head size?After measuring your adult, males client's height and head length, which proportion would be the best indication of a normocephalic head size? B. The head measures 1/7th of the adult body size. You just studied 45 terms!
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