Nursing management of tonsillitis

A nurse may assess the throat, tonsils, voice, swallowing, breathing, temperature, ear pain and swollen glands. Viral illness is common, but features such as marked tonsil inflammation or exposure to strep throat may lead to a clinician’s testing decision. The key concern is whether swelling or pain is stopping normal drinking.

The care plan depends on age, examination findings, allergies, medicines and how unwell the person appears. Nursing observation can detect dehydration or a change in breathing before home symptoms become severe.

Take small, frequent sips and choose cool or soft foods if swallowing hurts. Rest, warm drinks and salt-water gargles for suitable older children and adults may soothe the throat. Use only pain or fever medicines recommended for the person’s age and health. Antibiotic treatment is used only when a clinician considers a bacterial infection likely or confirms it; complete any prescribed course.

Get emergency help for difficulty breathing, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, a muffled voice, severe one-sided throat swelling, inability to open the mouth, blue lips or rapidly worsening illness. Arrange medical review when drinking is poor, fever persists, earache develops or symptoms are not improving.

Ask whether testing is needed, which fluids and medicines are appropriate, whether antibiotics are indicated, and when the person can return to normal activities.