Respiratory Meds

Question 1

Indication:

Short-acting bronchodilator

(rescue inhaler)

Answer 1

To treat acute asthma attack or acute COPD exacerbation.

Question 2

Generic names:

Short-acting bronchodilator

(rescue inhaler)

Answer 2

albuterol, levalbuterol

Question 3

Most common side effects and nursing considerations:

Short-acting bronchodilator

(rescue inhaler)

Answer 3

Can cause tremors and tachycardia:

• ​teach client that these symptoms will subside
• avoid caffeine

Question 4

Indication:

Long-acting bronchodilator

(maintenance inhaler)

Answer 4

To treat chronic asthma or COPD.

Question 5

Generic names:

Long-acting bronchodilator

(maintenance inhaler)

Answer 5

• ipratropium, tiotropium
• formoterol

Question 6

Side effects and nursing considerations:

Long-acting bronchodilator

(maintenance inhaler)

Answer 6

Anticholinergic side effects (use caution if taking other anticholinergic meds):

• causes blurry vision - implement safety / fall precautions
• causes urinary retention - monitor intake and output
• causes dry mouth - give candy or ice chips
• causes constipation - encourage fluids/fiber/walking

“can’t see, can’t pee, can’t spit, can’t shit”

Question 7

What are the steps to using an inhaler?

Answer 7

1. Use the bronchodilator first, then the steroid
2. remove cap and hold inhaler upright
3. shake inhaler
4. tilt head back and breathe out
5. press down on inhaler to release medicine
6. breathe in slowly for 3-5 seconds
7. hold breath for 10 seconds
8. wait 1 minute in between puffs

Click HERE for a video on inhaler use.

Question 8

Indication:

Steroid inhalers

Answer 8

To decrease inflammation in the lungs.

Question 9

Generic names:

Steroid inhalers

Answer 9

• beclomethasone, fluticasone, mometasone, triamcinolone
• budesonide

Question 10

Generic names:

Combination bronchodilator and steroid inhalers

Answer 10

• albuterol/ipratropium
• budesonide/formoterol
• fluticasone/salmeterol

Question 11

Indication:

Antiallergy drugs

Answer 11

To treat seasonal allergies or itching.

Question 12

Generic names:

Antiallergy drugs

Answer 12

• diphenhydramine
• hydroxyzine
• loratadine
• cetirizine, levocetirizine

Question 13

Side effects and nursing considerations:

Antiallergy drugs

Answer 13

Anticholinergic side effects (use caution if taking other anticholinergic meds):

• causes blurry vision - implement safety / fall precautions
• causes urinary retention - monitor intake and output
• causes dry mouth - give candy or ice chips
• causes constipation - encourage fluids/fiber/walking

“can’t see, can’t pee, can’t spit, can’t shit”

Question 14

Complete the sentence:

_______ and ______ is a common side effect of antiallergy drugs.

Answer 14

Sedation and dizziness

Implement safety and fall precautions.

Question 15

Generic names:

Antituberculosis drugs

Answer 15

• isoniazid
• rifampin

Question 16

Most common side effects and nursing considerations:

Antituberculosis drugs

Answer 16

• nephrotoxic - check BUN, creatinine and urine output
• ototoxic - check hearing and balance
• hepatotoxic - check ALT and AST

Hold med and notify HCP if findings are abnormal.

Question 17

Food-med interaction:

Antituberculosis drugs

Answer 17

Avoid foods with tyramine in clients taking TB drugs. Avoid “aged foods” such as:

• aged cheese and meats
• smoked and processed meats like sausage
• soy sauce
• beer and wine

Taking together can cause cardiovascular changes such as flushing, changes in BP and HR and chills.

Question 18

What color do secretions turn when a client is on rifampin?

Answer 18

reddish-orange

Inform the client that is not harmful, but can stain clothing.