Disease : Diphteria

It is an acute pharyngitis, acute nasopharyngitis or acute laryngitis with Pseudo membrane – grayish white in color with leathery consistency in the throat and on the tonsil.

Causative Agent

Corynebacterium diphtheriae

Mode of Transmission

Respiratory Droplets

Clinical Manifestation

Nasal

• Interview and open treatment cards for identified TB children.
• Perform Mantoux testing and reading to eligible children
• Maintain NTP records
• Manage requisition and distribution of drugs
• Assist the physician in supervising the other health workers of the RHU in the proper implementation of the policies and guidelines on TB in children.
• Assist in the training of other health workers on Mantoux testing and reading.

Pharyngeal

• “Bullneck” appearance because of the enlarge cervical lymph nodes.

Laryngeal

• sore throat
• hoarseness
• brassy metallic cough.

Reservoir

Man

Diagnostic Exam

• Schick’s Test - test for the susceptibility to Diptheria
• Moloney Test - for hypersensitivity to Diptheria toxin

Treatment

Antibiotics

• Pen G Potassium
• Erythromycin

Nursing Implication

• Isolate patient until 2-3 cultures taken at least 24hrs apart are negative
• Small frequent feeding
• Promote absolute rest
• Use ice collar to relieve pain of sore throat
• May put on soft diet