Peritonsillar abscess is also called as

Appeared in: VSSC Nursing Officer - 2021

Explanation

Quinsy is the common medical term for a peritonsillar abscess.
A peritonsillar abscess is a collection of purulent material that forms in the peritonsillar space, typically as a complication of acute tonsillitis.
The infection spreads from the tonsil to the surrounding tissues, leading to the formation of an abscess.
This condition is characterized by severe sore throat, fever, trismus (difficulty opening the mouth), and a muffled voice.

Option B: Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura, the lining of the lungs and chest wall. It is unrelated to throat infections and presents with chest pain.
Option C: Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils. While a peritonsillar abscess is a complication of tonsillitis, they are not the same condition. Tonsillitis is the initial infection, whereas the abscess is a collection of pus that forms next to the tonsil.
Option D: Cystic fibrosis is a chronic, genetic disease that primarily affects the respiratory and digestive systems. It has no direct relationship with a peritonsillar abscess.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Medical terminology and synonyms for throat infections as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A peritonsillar abscess is a medical emergency due to the risk of airway obstruction. Nurses must recognize key signs like trismus, a muffled voice, and drooling for prompt escalation to the physician.
Nursing care involves preparing the patient for potential incision and drainage, administering IV antibiotics and analgesics, and closely monitoring respiratory status.
What if? If the patient develops stridor (a high-pitched breathing sound) and increasing respiratory distress, this indicates critical airway compromise. The immediate nursing action would be to call for emergency medical assistance (e.g., a rapid response team), ensure the patient is in an upright position, and prepare for emergency airway management like intubation or a surgical airway.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the core term in the question: 'Peritonsillar abscess'.
Recognize that the question is asking for a synonym ('also called as').
Evaluate the options based on medical terminology.
Quinsy is a direct synonym for peritonsillar abscess.
Eliminate the other options by defining them: Pleurisy (lung lining inflammation), Tonsillitis (tonsil inflammation, a precursor but not the abscess itself), and Cystic Fibrosis (a genetic disease).

Concept Tested & Keywords

QvbpjmKworDb_p2WjwBH46

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

E6 Pathology-Textbook of PATHOLOGYHarsh Mohan Part 3 (515-969) p. 2

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

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