Chapter 35 & 48 (Learning Outcomes) Flashcards
(90 cards)
What are some examples of respiratory conditions that affect the patient’s ability to move air into and out of the lungs?
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Cystic fibrosis
Why is the lower respiratory tract basically sterile?
Because of the various defense mechanisms of the upper respiratory systems
What are the three layers of the bronchial tubes?
- Cartilage
- Muscle
- Epithelial cells
What do all of the tubes in the lower airway produce?
Mucus
- to entrap any particles that may have escaped the upper airway protective mechanisms
What is perfusion?
Blood delivery to the alveoli
What is respiration?
Exchange of gases at the alveolar level
- oxygen and carbon dioxide
What is ventilation?
The act of breathing
What does stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system do to breathing?
Increases rate and depth of respiration
- dilates the bronchi to allow freer airflow through the system
What is CAL (chronic airway limitation)?
An umbrella term that describes gradually progressive, degenerative diseases
(Chronic bronchitis, emphysema, repeated asthma attacks)
What happens to the airways during chronic bronchitits?
Continuous inflammation of the bronchial tree
- destroyed the cells
- cilia are absent
- defense mechanism against invading foreign material is lost
What happens to the airways during emphysema?
Abnormal distention of the lungs with air
- loss or degeneration of elastic tissue
- breakdown of alveolar walls
What is the role of mucolytic drugs?
Break down mucus and help the high-risk respiratory patients cough up thick, tenacious secretions
What is the prototype drug for mucolytics?
Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst)
What drug is used for patients that have developed atelectasis (b/c of thick mucus secretions)?
Acetylcysteine
Describe the pharmacodynamics of Acetylcysteine
Affects the mucoproteins in the respiratory secretions
- splits disulfide bonds that are responsible for holding the mucous material together
What is the result of using Acetylcysteine (Mucolytics) on secretions?
Decrease in the tenacity and viscosity of the secretions
What are the benefits of using acetylcysteine on the liver?
Protects against episodes of Tylenol toxicity
How does Acetylcysteine prevent Tylenol toxicity?
Binds with the reactive hepatotoxic metabolite of acetaminophen
In order to maximize the effects of acetylcysteine, what should you administer first?
Inhaled beta agonist
- to dilate the bronchial tree and enable the drug to permeate the entire tree
What are bronchodilators used to facilitate?
Respiration
- by dilating the airways
What is the bronchodilator (selective beta-2 agonist) used in managing CAL and asthma?
Albuterol (Ventolin)
What dietary component increases the risk of adverse effects of albuterol?
Caffeine
- tea, soda, cocoa, candy and chocolate should also be moderated
What drug is the drugs of choice for patients in the ER that are experiencing an acute asthma attack?
Albuterol
What is a common adverse effect of inhaled and oral albuterol (Ventolin)?
Palpitations