Peritonsillar abscess is also called as?

Appeared in: VSSC Nursing Officer - 2021

Explanation

Peritonsillar abscess is also known by the common name Quinsy.
It is defined as a collection of pus that forms in the space between the tonsil and the surrounding throat muscles.
This condition is typically a serious complication of untreated or partially treated tonsillitis.
Key signs include severe sore throat (often unilateral), fever, a muffled "hot potato" voice, and difficulty opening the mouth (trismus).

Option B: Pleurisy is the inflammation of the pleura, the membranes that line the lungs and chest cavity. It is a respiratory condition related to the lungs, not a throat infection.
Option C: Tonsillitis is the inflammation or infection of the tonsils. While a peritonsillar abscess is a complication of tonsillitis, it is not the same condition. The abscess is a collection of pus around the tonsil.
Option D: Cystic fibrosis is a chronic, inherited genetic disorder that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system by causing the production of abnormally thick, sticky mucus. It is not an acute infectious process like an abscess.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Synonym for Peritonsillar Abscess as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing a peritonsillar abscess (Quinsy) is critical for nurses as it can be a medical emergency. The swelling can progress rapidly and obstruct the airway.
Nursing priorities include monitoring for signs of airway compromise (stridor, drooling, trismus), administering antibiotics as prescribed, and preparing the patient for potential incision and drainage.
What if? If a patient with a sore throat develops a muffled "hot potato" voice and difficulty opening their mouth (trismus), the nurse should suspect a peritonsillar abscess and escalate care immediately to a physician, as these are hallmark signs of this serious complication.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question asking for a synonym.
Step 1: Identify the key medical term in the question: "Peritonsillar abscess".
Step 2: Understand the question's task, which is to find an alternative name ("also called as").
Step 3: Evaluate each option by recalling its definition.
Step 4: Eliminate options that describe completely different conditions in different body systems (Pleurisy, Cystic Fibrosis).
Step 5: Differentiate between the primary condition (Tonsillitis) and its complication (Peritonsillar abscess). The question asks for a synonym for the abscess, not its cause.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QAPI3PxPlsMrSvg-CJOkGQ

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 2 Part 1 p. 37-39

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1415-1417

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