N212 Pathophysiology Exam 1 Study Guide | Questions and Answers | 2026 Update | 100% Correct - Eastwick College.

N212 Pathophysiology Exam 1 Study Guide | Questions and
Answers | 2026 Update | 100% Correct - Eastwick College.
N212 Pathophysiology Study Guide
Exam 1

Focus Points:
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Sinusitis
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● Etiology
- Sinusitis, often called rhinosinusitis, is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of one
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or more of the sinuses, usually the maxillary or frontal sinus. Swelling of the mucosa can
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block the drainage of secretions, which can cause a sinus infection.
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- Sinusitis often occurs after rhinitis and can be associated with a deviated nasal septum,
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nasal polyps, inhaled air pollutants or cocaine, facial trauma, dental infections, or loss of
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immune function.
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- The infection is often caused by a virus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus
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influenzae, diplococcus, and bacteroides.
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Medications
Nasal decongestants, such as phenylephrine, are used to reduce swelling of the mucosa.
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Client education
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- Begin over-the-counter decongestant use at the first manifestation of sinusitis.
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- Manifestations of rebound nasal congestion can occur if decongestants are used for more
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than 3 to 4 days.
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- Broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, are used on a limited basis for a g g g g g g g g g g g g



confirmed causative bacterial pathogen.
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- Pain relief medications include NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and aspirin.
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Therapeutic Procedures g


- Deviated septum repair g g



- Surgical excision of nasal polyps g g g g




● Viral vs bacterial treatments for sinusitis
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The most common sinus infection are viral and account for ~90% of cases. These
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viral pathogens are often caused by the common cold virus or influenza virus.
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Viral infections will typically resolve on their own and DO NOT need antibiotics. Viral
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infections usually resolve with a few weeks w/o antibiotics.
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Nursing Interventions:
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Treat the symptoms with NSAID, Saline or corticosteroid nasal sprays, decongestants, and
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, antihistamines.
Surgery may be required if sinusitis becomes a chronic condition (greater than 3 months).
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Sinus infections can also be caused by bacterial pathogens, but less common (10% of cases).
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Usually occur due to unresolved viral infections.
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The bacteria comes from the nose and throat. Antibiotics may be need to the infection.
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Most common bacterial pathogen is Step Pneumoniae and Hemophilus Influenzae Oral
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antibiotics used to treat bacterial sinus infections: Amoxicillin, Doxycycline,
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Levofloxacin. Azithromycin “Z-pack” is overprescribed and not general not recommended
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due to antibiotic resistance.
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Sinusitis can also be caused by allergic “allergic sinusitis” and fungal infections although rare.
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Questions:

1.


Q: A nurse is providing care to a client who reports facial pain, including dental pain in the
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upper teeth. Which of the following additional symptoms would lead the nurse to suspect
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sinusitis as the source of the pain?
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A:The client has nasal congestion that does not significantly improve with over-the-counter
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decongestants or antihistamines.
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Explanation: The client has nasal congestion that does not significantly improve with over-the-
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counter decongestants or antihistamines: Persistent nasal congestion despite the use of
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decongestants or antihistamines is a common symptom of sinusitis, indicating that the source of
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the problem may be inflammation or infection in the sinuses.
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2.
Q: A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with acute rhinosinusitis.
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Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide to the client? Select all that apply.
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A.
Apply warm compresses.
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B.
Complete prescribed antibiotics. g g




C.
Avoid smoking. g




D.