Diptheria
Causative Agent: Corynabacterium diphtheriae (Klebs – loeffler bacilli)
Mode of Transmission: Droplet, direct and indirect contact
Incubation: 2 – 6 days
Diptheria
Signs and Symptoms:
Nasal
- excoriation of upper lip and nare with serosanguinous secretions
Pharyngeal or faucial
- PSEUDOMEMBRANE
- BULL NECK APPEARANCE
Laryngeal
- laryngeal stridor
- hoarseness of voice leading to aphonia
- signs of respiratory distress
Cutaneous or extrapulmonary
- spread of causative agent to skin (ears, eyes, wound)
Diptheria
Diagnostic Examination:
Nose and throat culture
Schick’s test – intradermal injection of toxin, will show (+) without immunity , 1-3 cm
Moloney test – intradermal injection of toxoid, if positive there is erythema within 24
hrs (hypersensitivity to Diptheria toxoid)
Treatment:
Penicillin G Sodium
Supportive: Oxygen inhalation
Tracheostomy
Suction secretions
Diptheria
Nursing Care:
Strict Isolation
Complete bed rest
Concurrent disinfection
Proper disposal of naso-pharyngeal secretions
Complete bed rest
Liquid to soft diet
Small frequent feedings
Increase fluid intake
Prevention:
Avoid mode of transmission
Immunization