Upper Respiratory Flashcards
(35 cards)
What structures are included in the upper respiratory tract?
Nares, Nasal Cavity, Pharynx, Larynx
What structures are included in the lower respiratory tract?
Trachea, Bronchi, Bronchioles, Alveoli
What virus is commonly associated with the common cold?
Rhinovirus
What are the symptoms of nasal congestion?
Nasal discharge, cough, increased mucosal secretions
What is acute rhinitis?
Acute inflammation of the nasal mucosa
What are histamines?
Chemical messengers released by mast cells during allergic responses
What are antigens?
Substances that cause an immune response, such as toxins, dander, chemicals, bacteria, viruses, pollen
What role do leukotrienes play in allergic responses?
They are released to continue the allergy response
What effects does histamine binding to H1 receptors cause?
- Small blood vessels dilate
- Mucus is secreted
- Bronchioles contract and constrict
What are the three methods to reduce inflammatory responses?
- Use Mast Cell Stabilizer Drugs
- Use Antihistamine Drugs
- Use Leukotriene Inhibitors
What are common nursing considerations for antihistamines?
- Encourage fluid intake
- Avoid activities requiring alertness
- Avoid concurrent use with CNS depressants
What is the mechanism of action for decongestants?
Vasoconstriction & shrinkage of nasal membrane
Over use of nasal decongestants result in?
Overuse results in rebound congestion, fewer side effects
What are the side effects of systemic decongestants?
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
What is the difference between productive and non-productive coughs?
- Productive: removes excessive secretions
- Non-productive: dry cough
What is the mechanism of action for antitussives?
Suppresses the cough reflex by direct effect on the cough center in the medulla
What are common side effects of opioid antitussives?
- Sedation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Lightheadedness
- Constipation
What is the primary function of expectorants?
Reduces secretions by increasing respiratory tract fluid
What are examples of expectorants?
- guaifenesin (Robitussin)
- guaifenesin (Mucinex)
What are indications for using expectorants?
- Common cold
- Bronchitis
- Laryngitis
- Pharyngitis
- Pertussis
- Influenza
- Measles
What nursing implications are associated with expectorants?
- Used with caution in the elderly or those with respiratory disease
- Increase fluids to help loosen secretions
- Report symptoms lasting longer than a week
Antihistamine MOA
H1 blocker
Gen 1 anitihistamine
diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
dimenhydrinate (Dramaine)
chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Timetron)
Gen 2 anithistamine
loratadine (Claritin)
fexofenadine (Allegra)
cetirizine (Zyrtec)
