Respiratory Medications

Question 1

Short-acting bronchodilator for acute asthma attacks

Answer 1

Albuterol

Question 2

Long-acting bronchodilator for the prevention of asthma attacks

Answer 2

Salmeterol

Question 3

Patient education for administration of bronchodilator and glucocorticoid

Answer 3

Use bronchodilator FIRST (ex: albuterol), wait 5 min, then use glucocorticoid (ex: beclomethasone)

Question 4

Common side effects associated with bronchodilators

Answer 4

Chest pain, palpitations, tremors, nervousness

Question 5

Theophylline is a xanthine and is not used much due to serious side effects such as

Answer 5

Dysrhythmias and seizures

Question 6

Theophylline patient education

Answer 6

Periodic serum levels are needed

Question 7

Theophylline therapeutic level

Answer 7

10-20 mcg/mL

Question 8

Key side effects of inhaled/nasal anticholinergic Ipratropium

Answer 8

Dry mouth, bitter taste, throat/nasal irritation

Question 9

Ipratropium patient education

Answer 9

Increase fluids, suck on candy for dry mouth

Question 10

Ipratropium/albuterol combination (Duoneb) is contraindicated in patients with

Answer 10

Peanut allergies

Question 11

Beclomethasone, mometasone, budesonide (Pulmicort), and fluticasone (Flovent) are examples of inhaled/nasal __________ that work to decrease inflammation locally

Answer 11

Corticosteroids

Question 12

Key side effects of inhaled/nasal corticosteroids

Answer 12

Headache, pharyngitis (sore throat), candidiasis (fungal infection)

Question 13

Patient education for inhaled corticosteroids

Answer 13

Rinse mouth with water after administration (prevention of candidiasis)

Question 14

Montelukast (Singulair) and zafirlukast (Accolate) decrease the effects of _________, which reduces airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction

Answer 14

Leukotrienes

Question 15

Key side effect of zafirlukast (Accolate)

Answer 15

Increased liver enzymes

Question 16

When should Montelukast (Singulair) be taken?

Answer 16

In the evening or 2 hours before exercise

Question 17

How should zafirlukast (Accolate) be taken?

Answer 17

On an empty stomach

Question 18

Class of medications used to treat cough

Answer 18

Antitussives

Question 19

List examples of antitussives (HINT: ABCD)

Answer 19

Benzonatate (Tessalon), codeine, dextromethorphan (Delsym)

Question 20

Key side effects of codeine

Answer 20

Sedation, respiratory depression, hypotension, constipation, GI upset

Question 21

Name an example of an expectorant, which is indicated for non-productive coughs by thinning secretions

Answer 21

Guaifenesin (Mucinex)

Question 22

Guaifenesin (Mucinex) patient education

Answer 22

Administer with a full glass of water

Question 23

Main mucolytic used for pulmonary disorders with thick mucous secretions, such as cystic fibrosis

Answer 23

Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst)

Question 24

Key side effects of Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst)

Answer 24

Bronchospasm, N/V, rash

Question 25

Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) nursing consideration

Answer 25

Use cautiously in patients with asthma due to side effect of bronchospasm

Question 26

Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) patient education

Answer 26

Medication smells like rotten eggs!

Question 27

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine are examples of

Answer 27

Decongestants

Question 28

Key side effects of decongestants

Answer 28

Nervousness, palpitations, weakness, insomnia, rebound congestion

Question 29

What is an example of a first generation antihistamine?

Answer 29

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Question 30

List two examples of second generation antihistamines

Answer 30

Loratidine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec)

Question 31

Most antihistamines end in

Answer 31

-ine

Question 32

Side effects are more common in _____ generation antihistamines and include

Answer 32

First; sedation and anticholinergic effects

Question 33

Nursing consideration for patients taking diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Answer 33

Implement fall precautions due to sedation