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Conditions of the Nose | Up
Hospital Corpsman 1 & C - Advanced Navy Nursing manual for hospital training purposes | Next
Lacerations |
TREATMENT—General measures consist of
bed rest, forcing fluids, and placing the
patient on a light diet. Administer analgesics
and antibiotics as required. Gargles may
prove beneficial. Acute tonsillitis may re-
occur and become chronic. Chronic cases
should be referred for possible surgical ex-
cision.
Peritonsillar Abscess
This is an acute suppuration that is often seen
as a sequela of acute tonsillitis. It is usually
unilateral and most often occurs in the
peritonsillar space.
SYMPTOMS—Swelling of the soft palate,
severe sore throat, and displacement of the uvula
are common. There may be pain upon opening
the jaw, swelling and pain at the site of the
cervical lymph nodes, and fevers of up to 105°F.
TREATMENT—General measures consist of
systemic antibiotics, bed rest, forcing fluids, and
administering analgesics to control temperature
and pain. Transfer the patient to a medical
treatment facility for I&D of the abscess and
subsequent tonsillectomy.
Acute Laryngitis
This is an inflammation of the laryngeal
mucosa due to virus or bacteria. It may occur as
a primary disorder or in association with rhinitis
and pharyngitis.
SYMPTOMS—They include pain, cough,
redness, edema, a rasping quality to the voice,
fever, malaise and if severe edema is present,
dyspnea, and dysphonia and aphonia (difficulty
in speaking or inability to speak).
TREATMENT—General measures include
voice rest; discontinuing smoking; inhaling warm,
moist air; and symptomatic treatment.
DISORDERS OF THE
OCULAR SYSTEM
There are many nonspecific manifestations of
disorder in the ocular system as well as pain,
blurred vision, discharge, spots, and headache. All
of these symptoms require further investiga-
tion.
Acute Glaucoma
This is a condition of the eye that is
characterized by increased intraocular pressure.
The pressure, if unchecked, causes atrophy of
the optic nerve. This is an extreme surgical
emergency! If unchecked for 2 to 5 days, the
condition will most likely result in complete
and irreversible blindness.
SYMPTOMS—Patients with acute glaucoma
will seek treatment immediately because of severe
pain and blurring vision. The eye will appear red
and the cornea has a steamy look. The pupil will
be dilated and will not react to light. Intraocular
pressure is elevated (over 25 mm Hg).
TREATMENT—Transfer the patient to a
medical facility immediately.
Ocular Foreign Bodies
Foreign bodies in the eye area serious threat
in many instances to the patient’s sight. See the
HM 3 & 2 Rate Training Manual for further
information.
Corneal Abrasions
Corneal abrasions are usually the result of
foreign bodies striking the cornea.
SYMPTOMS—There is usually pain upon
movement of the lid and a history of trauma.
TREATMENT—Rule out a foreign body. In-
still sterile fluorescein into the conjunctival sac
if an abrasion is suspected. The abrasion will stain
green while the surrounding cornea will appear
orange. Instill polymyxin-bacitracin ophthalmic
ointment and apply a firm bandage. Check the
eye the following day for healing.
Contusions (Black Eye)
Contusions are usually the result of sub-
conjunctival hemorrhage, corneal rupture, or
vitreous or retinal hemorrhage. They are almost
always accompanied by a history of trauma.
Some of the symptoms are immediately
apparent, and others may not become apparent
for days. Hyphema (hemorrhage into the anterior
chamber of the eye), retinal detachment, and optic
nerve injury are all complications that should be
suspected.
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