Key Concepts & Definitions
This highly contagious respiratory infection of the lungs and airways is named for the sound a person makes when gasping for air after a coughing fit.
What is pertussis (whooping cough)?
This type of organism causes pertussis, which is why antibiotics can help treat it.
What is a bacterium?
In its early stage, pertussis looks a lot like this familiar, mild illness.
What is a common cold?
This is the main treatment for pertussis.
What are antibiotics?
This respiratory complication can develop as a result of pertussis.
What is pneumonia?
This bacterium is the cause of pertussis.
What is Bordetella pertussis?
Pertussis spreads through these, which are released during coughing and sneezing.
What are respiratory droplets?
These early-stage symptoms include a runny nose, congestion, sneezing, a mild cough, and this kind of low-grade temperature.
What is a low-grade fever?
Antibiotics for pertussis are most effective when started at this point in the illness.
What is early?
This neurological complication, marked by sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain, can occur with pertussis.
What are seizures?
These tiny droplets, released during coughing or sneezing, spread the bacteria from person to person.
What are respiratory droplets?
Pertussis passes easily by this route, moving from one infected individual to another
What is person-to-person transmission?
Severe coughing typically begins within this time frame after the early symptoms appear.
What is 1 to 2 weeks?
This supportive measure keeps the client hydrated during recovery.
What are fluids?
This age group faces the highest risk for serious complications like brain damage and death.
What are infants?
This term describes a burst of rapid, severe coughs that can leave a person exhausted and gasping for breath.
What is a coughing fit (paroxysm)?
This infection control measure is important because pertussis spreads so easily.
What is isolation?
This classic later-stage sound occurs as the person breathes in after a coughing fit.
What is the "whooping" sound (on inspiration)?
In severe cases, the client may need this support to maintain oxygenation
What is oxygen?
This is the best protection against pertussis, taught to clients and families during patient teaching.
What is vaccination (DTaP/Tdap)?
hese are the vaccines that protect against pertussis, along with diphtheria and tetanus.
What are DTaP and Tdap?
Unlike viral illnesses such as the flu, pertussis responds to this type of treatment because it is bacterial.
What are antibiotics?
Along with exhaustion, this often happens after a coughing fit in the later stage
What is vomiting?
This infection control intervention protects others by preventing the client from spreading the bacteria.
What is isolation?
Along with covering coughs and staying home when sick, this simple hygiene step helps stop the spread of pertussis.
What is frequent hand washing?