ENT Pathology Course for Nurses

Lesson 1 • Pharynx and Larynx Anatomy

Details nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and laryngeal cartilages. Supports assessment of swallowing and airway structures.

Lesson 2 • Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses

Describes nasal turbinates, septum, and sinus drainage pathways. Provides anatomical context for rhinologic conditions.

Lesson 3 • Anatomy of the External and Middle Ear

Covers auricle, ear canal, tympanic membrane, and ossicles. Establishes structural baseline for interpreting ear pathology.

Lesson 4 • Cranial Nerves Relevant to ENT

Focuses on cranial nerves I, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, and XII in ENT function. Connects nerve anatomy to clinical symptom patterns.

Lesson 1 • Structured ENT History Framework

Teaches chief complaint elicitation, symptom chronology, and relevant past medical history. Forms the foundation for clinical reasoning in ENT cases.

Lesson 2 • Nasal and Sinus Assessment

Covers anterior rhinoscopy, nasal speculum use, and sinus palpation. Connects physical findings to common rhinologic diagnoses.

Lesson 3 • Neck and Lymph Node Examination

Teaches systematic cervical lymph node palpation and thyroid assessment. Links neck findings to ENT pathology and systemic disease.

Lesson 4 • Otoscopic Examination Technique

Guides proper otoscope handling, canal straightening, and tympanic membrane inspection. Directly supports accurate ear pathology identification.

Lesson 1 • Acute and Chronic Otitis Media

Distinguishes acute, serous, and chronic suppurative otitis media by presentation and pathophysiology. Guides nursing management including pain control and referral criteria.

Lesson 2 • Hearing Loss Classification and Nursing Role

Differentiates conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing loss using clinical and audiometric data. Nurses will facilitate audiologic referrals and support patient communication.

Lesson 3 • Tympanic Membrane Perforations

Explains traumatic and infection-related perforations, healing potential, and hearing impact. Nurses will apply appropriate wound care and patient guidance.

Lesson 4 • Vertigo and Vestibular Disorders

Covers BPPV, Meniere disease, and labyrinthitis with their distinguishing features. Nurses will perform safety assessments and assist with repositioning manoeuvres.

Lesson 1 • Nasal Foreign Bodies and Trauma

Addresses paediatric foreign body presentation, removal risks, and nasal fracture assessment. Nurses will triage urgency and prepare patients for procedural intervention.

Lesson 2 • Acute and Chronic Sinusitis

Distinguishes viral, bacterial, and chronic sinusitis by duration and clinical features. Guides antibiotic stewardship decisions and nursing monitoring.

Lesson 3 • Nasal Polyps and Structural Deformities

Describes nasal polyp formation, deviated septum, and turbinate hypertrophy. Prepares nurses to recognise obstruction symptoms and coordinate surgical referrals.

Lesson 4 • Allergic and Non-Allergic Rhinitis

Compares allergic and non-allergic rhinitis triggers, symptoms, and pharmacologic management. Connects nursing assessment findings to treatment selection and monitoring.

Lesson 1 • Laryngitis and Vocal Cord Disorders

Examines acute laryngitis, vocal nodules, and polyps with their impact on voice quality. Nurses will provide voice rest guidance and facilitate specialist referral.

Lesson 2 • Peritonsillar and Retropharyngeal Abscess

Covers abscess formation, clinical presentation, and airway risk assessment. Nurses will recognise emergent signs and prepare for drainage procedures.

Lesson 3 • Epiglottitis and Croup Recognition

Distinguishes epiglottitis from croup by age, onset, and clinical features. Prepares nurses for rapid airway management and emergency escalation.

Lesson 4 • Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis Management

Differentiates viral from streptococcal pharyngitis using clinical scoring and rapid testing. Guides antibiotic use decisions and nursing comfort measures.

Lesson 1 • Facial Trauma and ENT Injury Triage

Covers nasal, auricular, and laryngeal trauma assessment and triage priorities. Nurses will stabilise injuries and coordinate imaging and specialist involvement.

Lesson 2 • Tracheostomy Care and Emergencies

Covers tracheostomy tube types, routine suctioning, and emergency tube displacement management. Nurses will maintain patent airways and respond to decannulation events.

Lesson 3 • Post-Tonsillectomy Haemorrhage Management

Distinguishes primary from secondary post-tonsillectomy bleeding and identifies high-risk signs. Nurses will initiate haemostatic measures and prepare for surgical intervention.

Lesson 4 • Anaphylaxis in ENT Contexts

Addresses anaphylaxis triggered by contrast agents, antibiotics, and local anaesthetics in ENT settings. Nurses will administer epinephrine and manage anaphylactic shock.

Lesson 1 • Palliative and Supportive ENT Oncology Care

Focuses on symptom management, feeding tube care, and end-of-life communication in ENT cancer. Nurses will integrate palliative principles into daily oncology nursing practice.

Lesson 2 • Head and Neck Cancer Overview

Introduces squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx with risk factors. Establishes the oncologic framework for subsequent ENT cancer nursing content.

Lesson 3 • Recognising Malignancy Red Flags

Identifies persistent hoarseness, neck masses, dysphagia, and unilateral symptoms as warning signs. Nurses will apply urgent referral pathways for suspected malignancy.

Lesson 4 • Nursing Care During Radiation Therapy

Covers mucositis, xerostomia, and skin reactions from head and neck radiation. Nurses will implement oral care protocols and nutritional support strategies.

Lesson 1 • Post-Anaesthesia Care in ENT Recovery

Addresses airway monitoring, nausea management, and pain assessment in the recovery unit. Nurses will apply discharge readiness criteria specific to ENT procedures.

Lesson 2 • Common ENT Procedures and Nursing Implications

Reviews tonsillectomy, septoplasty, myringotomy, and functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Nurses will anticipate procedure-specific complications and apply targeted monitoring.

Lesson 3 • Wound Care and Discharge Planning

Covers incision care, drain management, and structured discharge education for ENT patients. Nurses will ensure patients understand activity restrictions and follow-up requirements.

Lesson 4 • Intraoperative Nursing Roles in ENT

Describes scrub and circulating nurse responsibilities during ENT procedures. Nurses will manage instrumentation, positioning, and sterile field integrity.