Retropharyngeal Abscess

Overview

4.3 out of 5 (3 Reviews)

Credits

1.50

Post Assessment Questions

6

Start Date

1 Sep 2023

Last Review Date

29 Feb 2024

Expiration Date

31 Aug 2026

Estimated Time To Finish

90 Minutes


 
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Activity Description

Retropharyngeal abscesses are rare but potentially life-threatening infections that primarily affect children of age 5 and younger and, occasionally, adults. Although a viral upper respiratory infection typically precedes abscess formation, retropharyngeal infection may also arise from oropharyngeal trauma or dental disease. Retropharyngeal abscesses are pus-filled collections within the retropharyngeal space, located between the buccopharyngeal fascia anteriorly and the alar fascia posteriorly. As a retropharyngeal abscess enlarges, it can result in upper airway obstruction and potentially lead to asphyxiation.

Treatment of retropharyngeal abscess involves the administration of broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics, with or without surgical incision and drainage. Untreated retropharyngeal abscesses can result in upper airway obstruction and respiratory distress. Patients diagnosed with retropharyngeal infection may also require hospital admission and consultation with otolaryngology. Following infection resolution, some patients may require extended hospitalization, tracheostomy, and/or nasogastric tube feeding due to prolonged inflammation in the upper aerodigestive tract. This activity provides an overview of the assessment and treatment of retropharyngeal abscesses, emphasizing the crucial role of the interprofessional healthcare team in managing the condition to optimize patient outcomes.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician associates, nurses, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Identify the clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of retropharyngeal abscesses, including fever, difficulty swallowing, neck stiffness, and respiratory distress.

  • Implement appropriate management strategies promptly upon suspicion or diagnosis of retropharyngeal abscesses, including antibiotic therapy, surgical drainage, and supportive care.

  • Apply evidence-based guidelines and protocols for diagnosing, treating, and managing retropharyngeal abscesses to optimize patient outcomes.

  • Collaborate with the interprofessional health care team to promptly identify, evaluate and monitor, as well as provide effective treatment and counseling to patients with retropharyngeal abscesses.

Disclosures

StatPearls, LLC requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. Others involved in planning this educational activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial Support: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

In support of improving patient care, StatPearls, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

Nurses: StatPearls designates this activity for 1.50 ANCC contact hour(s). Nurses should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Please consult your professional licensing board for information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity.

Method of Participation and Credit

  1. Register for the activity.    
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content of the enduring material.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit and a certificate, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment survey.

If you have concerns regarding the CE/CME system, please contact support@statpearls.com.

Disclaimer

This educational activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls expressly disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

Unapproved Uses of Drugs/Devices: In accordance with FDA requirements, the audience is advised that information presented in this continuing education activity may contain references to unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Please refer to the FDA-approved package insert for each drug/device for full prescribing/utilization information.

Cancellation Policy: Please see the cancellation policy. StatPearls, LLC reserves the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

 
 

Reviews

great

marianne f. on 11/28/2020

Brian G. on 12/25/2022

Dr.NIRMALA M. on 12/31/2022

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