Drug Therapy for the Respiratory System Flashcards
(108 cards)
Common Cold
affects the upper respiratory tract (clavicles up)
Occurs when viruses or bacteria invade our system and get past our general defense mechanisms
Viral Cold
2-4 occurrences every year typical in adults; up to 10 occurrences a year for children.
Viruses invade via mucous membranes
Can survive for several horse on skin and hard surfaces
Sinusitis
When the sinus cavities become inflamed or infected and it blocks the fluid that drains out of the sinuses
Rhinitis
(running nose) is the most common cause of sinusitis because your nose is running and you are blowing it constantly and it gets swollen which blocks off the sinuses
Signs and Symptoms of colds and sinusitis
Nasal congestion
Cough: protective defense
Productive vs. non-productive
Increased secretions: they run down your throat and into your bronchi. You can get these from irritations like allergies, smoking, or surgery
Nasal Decongestants Example
pseudoephedrine
Oxymetazoline
Phenylephrine
Nasal Decongestants Action
relieve nasal obstruction and discharge by producing vasoconstriction. Decreases nasal blood vessels and increase blood flow for breathing.
Nasal Decongestants Contraindications
Anything that is dangerous with SNS/vasoconstriction
Severe HTN, CAD, narrow angle glaucoma, antidepressants
Nasal Decongestants Patient teaching
Encourage adequate fluid intake (thin secretions)
Humidification (moisture is good for GI tract and respiratory tract)
Do not take longer than package recommendation (3-5d. Could cause rebound congestion. It is going to overpower the medication)
Avoid caffeine (increased vasoconstriction)
Avoid accidental OD (be careful when taking with other cold medicine)
Avoid HTN
Proper use of nasal spray
Take with or without food
Antitussive Examples
Cough Medicine
Dextromethorphan
Antitussive Action
Suppresses dry, hacking, non-productive cough
Centrally Acting Antitussive
Narcotic and non-narcotic
Taken orally
Acts on whole body
Cough syrup (DM)
Locally Acting Antitussive
Throat lozenges
Cough drops
Nursing considerations for Antitussives:
Don’t eat or drink after a syrup (30 min)
Drug-to-drug interactions with antidepressants
Fluid intake and humidification
Expectorant Examples
Guaifenesin (mucinex)
Expectorant Action
Liquify respiratory secretions and allow for easier removal.
Used in a productive cough (tenacious sputum)
Expectorant Considerations
Do not crush or chew (extending release)
Adequate hydration and fluid intake.
Don’t take longer than 1 week w/o seeing a doctor.
Avoid accidental OD
Encourage coughing and deep breathing
Mucolytic Examples
Acetylcysteine
Mucolytic Action
highest power expectorant
Used with chronic respiratory issues
Used in the event of an acetaminophen overdose
Liquifies the mucous in the respiratory tract and is given via inhalation
Nursing considerations for Mucolytic
Given inhalation so monitor airways because the are going to cough out their secretions
Encourage coughing and deep breathing
Don’t leave the acetylcysteine on the person’s face (it smells like rotting eggs)
Pseudoephedrine
Vasoconstrictor that was used in meth so it is no longer OTC. Phenylephrine replaced it. Good for people with cardiac issues. It is in all of the cold medicine that you can buy in the OTC aisle.
OTC Cold Medicine
Vicks NyQuil
Pseudoephedrine
Phenylephrine
Histamine
the 1st chemical mediator released in an allergic reaction. Found in mast cells and basophils.
What happens when Histamine is released
Constriction of smooth muscle in R tract
Bronchoconstriction
Stimulation of the Vagus nerve
Increased permeability of veins and capillaries
Increased secretion from mucus glands
Stimulation of peripheral nerve endings
Dilation of capillaries in the skin
Increase secretion of gastric acid
Increased heart rate and force of contraction