Week 4 Flashcards

(73 cards)

1
Q

Asthma

A

Asthma can be defined as “a heterogeneous disease [meaning that it varies considerably for different people], and is it characterised by chronic airway inflammation. It is defined by the history of respiratory symptoms such as wheeze, shortness of breath, chest tightness and cough that vary over time and in intensity, together with variable expiratory airflow limitation”

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2
Q

Pathophysiology- asthma

A

The key pathophysiological concepts of asthma include:
○ airway inflammation (swollen lining)
○ airway hyperresponsiveness (muscle tightening)
○ mucus hypersecretion (excess mucus)
This results in airflow obstruction and then leads to clinical manifestations such as dyspnoea, cough, chest tightness, and wheeze.

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3
Q

Asthma Trigger- Allergen inhalation

A
  • Animal hair (e.g. cats, mice)
    • House dust mite
    • Cockroaches
    • Pollens
      • Moulds
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4
Q

Asthma Trigger- Air pollutants

A
  • Exhaust fumes
  • Perfumes
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5
Q

Asthma Trigger- Oxidants

A
  • Sulfur dioxides
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Aerosol sprays
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6
Q

Asthma Trigger- Inflammation and infection

A
  • Viral upper respiratory tract infection
  • Sinusitis, allergic rhinitis
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7
Q

Asthma Trigger- Medications

A
  • Aspirin
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs)
  • β-Adrenergic blockers
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8
Q

Asthma Trigger- Occupational exposure

A
  • Agriculture, farming
  • Paints, solvents
  • Laundry detergents
  • Metal salts
  • Wood and vegetable dusts
  • Industrial chemicals and plastics
  • Pharmaceutical agents
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9
Q

Asthma Trigger- Food additives

A
  • Sulfites (bisulfites and disodium metabisulfite)
  • Beer, wine, dried frui, shellfish, processed potatoes
  • Monosodium glutamate
  • Tartrazine
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10
Q

Asthma Trigger- Other factors

A
  • Exercise and cold, dry air
  • Stress
  • Hormones, menses
  • Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
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11
Q

Key Clinical Manifestations- Asthma

A

Wheeze, dyspnea, chest tightness, coughing, hypertension, tachycardia, and hypoxaemia symptoms are common symptoms of asthma. These include high-pitched, musical sounds produced by rapid vibration of bronchial walls, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and coughing. As the asthma attack progresses, symptoms like anxiety and restlessness may become more evident.

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12
Q

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the term given for progressive, chronic lung disease, characterised by irreversible obstruction of the airways
COPD is:
○ Preventable and treatable
○ Airflow limitation is not fully reversible

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13
Q

Chronic Bronchitis

A

Chronic bronchitis is a condition characterized by mucus hypersecretion and productive cough for over three months annually, resulting from cigarette smoking and harmful particle inhalation. This inflammation causes bronchial oedema, increased goblet cells, thick mucus production, and eventually narrowed airways.

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14
Q

Emphysema

A

○ Destruction of alveolar space (which destroys portions of the pulmonary capillary bed and increases the volume of air in the alveoli
○ Alveolar destruction –> large air spaces in lung tissue and air spaces
○ The air spaces are then not able to participate effectively in gas exchange.
○ Expiration is challenged due to a loss of elastic recoil.
○ This reduces the volume of air that is expired, and air becomes trapped in lungs
○ Air trapping –> increases chest expansion
○ Causing reduced gas exchange, increased work of breathing, hypoventilation, and hypercapnia

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15
Q

Clinical Manifestations- Asthma

A
  • Persistent cough
  • Dyspnoea
  • Recurrent or severe pulmonary infection
  • Barrel chest
  • Digital clubbing
  • Fatigue
    Over time clinical manifestations and symptoms of COPD can worsen and may include
  • Haemoptysis
  • Pneumothorax
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16
Q

COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA

A

Community-acquired pneunonia (CAP) is a lung infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae, respiratory viruses, oral anaerobes, and OR fungi, resulting in symptoms in patients who have not been hospitalized or stayed in long-term care facilities.

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17
Q

MEDICAL-CARE-ASSOCIATED PNEUMONIA
(Health-care associated pneumonia)

A

Medical-care-associated pneumonia (MCAP) is a severe condition causing significant morbidity and increased mortality rates, primarily caused by a variety of bacteria including pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptocococcus pneumoniae, and oral anaerobes.

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18
Q

ASPIRATION PNEUMONIA

A

Aspiration pneumonia, a condition resulting from abnormal entry of material from the mouth or stomach into the trachea and lungs, can occur in community settings or healthcare facilities, and can be increased by decreased consciousness, swallowing difficulties, and nasogastric intubation.

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19
Q

OPPORTUNISTIC PNEUMONIA

A

Opportunistic pneumonia, caused by a person’s depressed immune system, can occur due to HIV, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or long-term corticosteroid therapy, and may include viruses and bacteria.

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20
Q

PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL CONCEPTS- pneumonia

A

○ Upper airway (nasopharynx and oropharynx)
○ Compromised systemic defence mechanisms (humoral and complement-mediated immunity
○ Impaired mucociliary clearance
○ Impaired cough reflex
○ Alveolar macrophages
○ Accumulation of secretions

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21
Q

Clinical Manifestations
Tachypnoea (^respiratory rate)

A

Impaired gas exchange resulting from damage to the bronchial mucus membrane and alveolar-capillary membrane.

Invasion of the lungs by micro-organisms cause an inflammatory response, fever and chills. The body’s immune response is increased requiring increased metabolic rate and increased oxygen demands.

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22
Q

Clinical Manifestations- Dyspnoea/^work of breathing (WOB)

A

An accumulation of thickened fluid in the alveoli and terminal bronchioles makes it harder for air to move into the terminal airways. The person needs to work harder to get air past these obstructions.

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23
Q

Clinical Manifestations- Productive cough

A

Whilst the cough may not always be productive, this results from the accumulation of thickened fluid in the alveoli and terminal bronchioles.
The resultant sputum may be green, yellow or rust-coloured (bloody).

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23
Q

Clinical Manifestations- Use of accessory muscles

A

This is a direct result of the increased WOB.

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24
Clinical Manifestations- Decreased oxygen saturation (02 Sats)
When gas exchange is impaired, less oxygen travels across the alveoli-capillary membrane into the circulation.
25
Clinical Manifestations- Cyanosis
This is a late sign where a bluish colour of the skin is seen usually in the lips, nail beds or conjunctiva.
26
Clinical Manifestations- Chest tightness/pain
This may be related to inflammation of the pleura resulting in pleurisy.
27
Clinical Manifestations- Fatigue, general malaise, headache and decreased appetite
The body's response to infection as the immune system is working the body hard and requires rest to support the restorative process.
28
Clinical Manifestations- Fever/chills
Resulting from invasion of the body by micro-organisms which reset the bodies thermo-regulatory system in order to optimise the immune response
29
Health History- Asthma
This should include the following subjective data: · Previous hospitalisations including any ICU admissions · Do they have an asthma management plan? · Have they been taking prescribed medications? · Are they normally well? · Any co-morbidities. · Exposure to triggers and objective data: · General – is the person restless? · Integumentary – any diaphoresis or cyanosis? · Respiratory – any nasal discharge, polyps, increased WOB, positioning. · Cardiovascular – tachycardia · Diagnostic findings – chest x-ray, arterial blood gases
30
Health History- COPD
This should include the following subjective data: Apart from the asthma plan, the information collected here will be the same. Some patients may have a sick time plan as well. And objective data: Again, the information you are looking for here is the same as for asthma. Use all your senses here as this becomes part of your primary and secondary assessment.
31
Health History- PNEUMONIA
This should include the subjective and objective data identified for asthma and COPD. Most people presenting with pneumonia, will not have previous hospitalisations for pneumonia or a management plan. However, you will still need to complete a brief health history and document all of your clinical findings. It is important to review all of their medical notes regarding their clinical presentation and their treatment plan.
32
Primary Assessment- Asthma
If not already performed = airway, breathing, circulation, disability (mental status assessment), exposure
33
Primary Assessment- COPD
If not already performed = airway, breathing, circulation, disability (mental status assessment), exposure
34
Primary Assessment- PNEUMONIA
If not already performed = airway, breathing, circulation, disability (mental status assessment), exposure
35
Secondary Assessment- Asthma
Comprehensive, systematic body systems assessment (or head-to-toe assessment) General appearance → looks well / unwell, discomfort, skin colour → pallor or flushed face Full set of vital signs Pain assessment: PQRST, OLDCARTS, is the patient experiencing chest pain?
36
Secondary Assessment- COPD
Comprehensive, systematic body systems assessment (or head-to-toe assessment) General appearance → looks well / unwell, discomfort, skin colour → pallor or flushed face Full set of vital signs Pain assessment: PQRST, OLDCARTS, is the patient experiencing chest pain?
37
Secondary Assessment- Pneumonia
Comprehensive, systematic body systems assessment (or head-to-toe assessment) General appearance → looks well / unwell, discomfort, skin colour → pallor or flushed face Full set of vital signs Pain assessment: PQRST, OLDCARTS, is the patient experiencing chest pain?
38
Focused Assessment- Asthma
Inspect * Observe the overall appearance (does the patient appear well/unwell?) * Observe the patients colour both centrally and peripherally * Observe the patient's respiratory rate, rhythm and depth & respiratory effort (are they using accessory muscles?) * Inspect the symmetry and shape of chest * Inspect the tracheal position * Can you hear any audible sounds? Auscultation * Listen for breath sounds * Auscultate the lung fields Percussion * Percuss the thorax Palpation * Bilateral symmetry of chest expansion * Palpate the skin feeling for skin temperature, turgor and moisture * Assess capillary refill both centrally and peripherally
39
Focussed assessment- COPD
Inspect * Observe the overall appearance (does the patient appear well/unwell?) * Observe the patients colour both centrally and peripherally * Observe the patient's respiratory rate, rhythm and depth & respiratory effort (are they using accessory muscles?) * Inspect the symmetry and shape of chest * Inspect the tracheal position * Can you hear any audible sounds? Auscultation * Listen for breath sounds * Auscultate the lung fields Percussion * Percuss the thorax Palpation * Bilateral symmetry of chest expansion * Palpate the skin feeling for skin temperature, turgor and moisture * Assess capillary refill both centrally and peripherally
40
Focused assessment- Pneumonia
Inspect * Observe the overall appearance (does the patient appear well/unwell?) * Observe the patients colour both centrally and peripherally * Observe the patient's respiratory rate, rhythm and depth & respiratory effort (are they using accessory muscles?) * Inspect the symmetry and shape of chest * Inspect the tracheal position * Can you hear any audible sounds? Auscultation * Listen for breath sounds * Auscultate the lung fields Percussion * Percuss the thorax Palpation * Bilateral symmetry of chest expansion * Palpate the skin feeling for skin temperature, turgor and moisture * Assess capillary refill both centrally and peripherally
41
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS- Asthma
The mainstay of asthma diagnosis is a comprehensive health history and physical examination. · Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) – important for monitoring of condition · Chest X-ray · Pulmonary function tests/studies (PFT/S) – aid in diagnosis and monitoring of severity. · Allergy skin testing (if indicated) · Blood level of eosinophils and IgE (if indicated)
42
Diagnostic tests- COPD
As with asthma, a comprehensive health history and physical assessment are vital in the diagnosis of COPD. · PFT – spirometry, is required to confirm presence of airflow obstruction and determines severity. · Chest X-ray · Serum α1-antitrypsin levels · ABGs · Six-minute walk test
43
Diagnostic tests- Pneumonia
Once again, the history and physical examination, along with a chest X-ray are the main stays of pneumonia diagnosis. Other tests include: · Sputum culture · Pulse oximetry* or ABGs (if indicated) · Pathology including: Blood cultures (if indicated) and FBC - WCC and inflammatory markers
44
What to consider when providing focused patient (and family/carer) education on Asthma:
* The nature of asthma as a chronic inflammatory disease * Definition of inflammation and bronchoconstriction * Identification of triggers and reduce exposure to them * Reduce risk of airway infections * Knowledge of early signs and symptoms of acute asthma * Purpose and action for each medication * Importance of the adherence to medication regime (even when symptom free) * Proper inhalation technique * Monitor peak flow (See below for video on how to perform a peak flow reading) * How to implement an action management plan (see below for video on asthma action plans) * When and how to seek assistance * Consult with general practitioner or respiratory physician to regularly update asthma action plans.
45
COPD-X is the acronym used to guide the diagnosis, assessment and management of people with COPD. This stands for:
* Case finding and confirm diagnosis * Optimise function * Prevent deterioration * Develop a plan of care * Manage eXacerbations
46
Non-pharmacological strategies- COPD
Non-pharmacological strategies are recommended for managing COPD, including smoking cessation. Smoking is a significant risk factor for COPD development, and cessation can slow lung function decline, delay disability onset, and preserve remaining function. Nurses play a crucial role in patient education on smoking cessation and Quitline details.
47
Pharmacological Therapies- COPD
There are two core aims of pharmacological treatment according to the Lung Foundation Australia. These are: 1. treatment of symptoms 2. reduction of risk of severe exacerbations or deterioration. Whilst as nurses we do not prescribe medications, we need to be aware of what the patient is or should be taking so that we can provide appropriate education for them.
48
Nursing Implications- COPD
It is important that individuals with COPD adhere to the management strategies and to do this, they must be provided with the knowledge to do so. This knowledge should include: * Non-pharmacological therapies * Pharmacological therapies * Correct inhaler technique for all potential types of inhalers used * Health literacy * Cost of medications along with the ability to pay for these AND * Treatment for any co-morbidities
49
Prevent Deterioration- COPD
Deterioration of an individual's COPD can occur by the following: * The most important factor in deterioration prevention is smoking cessation. See the information provided on this in the previous section. * Control of exacerbations requires optimisation of pharmacotherapy and referral to pulmonary rehabilitation services. Early identification and treatment of exacerbation symptoms according to the individual's management plan should also occur which may include antibiotics if infection is evident and oral corticosteroid therapy for moderate to severe exacerbations. * Vaccination against influenza and pneumococcal infections should be encouraged. Practice nurses would ensure that individuals are provided with reminders to ensure these vaccinations are up to date
50
Develop a Plan of Care- COPD
COPD care can improve exercise capacity and health-related quality of life through the incorporation of interprofessional care that covers elements such as: * exercise * self management education * use of a COPD action plan for exacerbation management.
51
Community/Practice/Respiratory Nurses- respiratory disorders
* Nurses, in close collaboration with the GP or respiratory physician, will assist in completion of an asthma action/management plan, sick day planning and rehabilitation planning for patients with COPD, as well as provision of focused education, including inhaler techniques and reviews. * Nurses can make recommendations to other healthcare professionals including physiotherapists and dieticians as required.
52
Pharmacists- respiratory disorders
* As the main therapy for patients with respiratory disorders are medication based, a pharmacist is vital in the provision of education on medications and their administration.
53
Dieticians- respiratory disorders
* Patients with chronic respiratory conditions often use a lot of energy in the act of just breathing. They also, as their condition progresses, struggle to eat large volumes of food at one sitting so find it difficult to ingest sufficient calories/kilojoules to support their respiratory effort, let alone any additional activities. * These patients will benefit from dietician input to optimise their caloric intake. Dieticians can provide education on higher energy foods as well as supplements to help the individual to obtain sufficient calories/kilojoules.
54
Social Workers- respiratory disorders
* As respiratory diseases/disorders progress, the individual may struggle to continue to work and provide an income for themselves and their families. Social workers can talk with patients and their families to identify their concerns, assist with applying for financial support if appropriate as well as connect with any community supports and groups our patients' might need on discharge: such as meal services, at-home physiotherapy, and more * Social workers are important to the whole family when a patient has been admitted to hospital, holistically they can gauge where support systems already exist for the patient and support other members of their family in providing the best care possible
55
Physiotherapists- respiratory disorders
* Physiotherapists play a vital role in the support and management of individuals with chronic respiratory conditions. For patients that retain secretions (COPD, pneumonia, and other disorders) they can provide education on airway clearance techniques. They provide chest physiotherapy in the inpatient setting which may include postural drainage, percussion and vibration as well as provision of airway clearance or insentive devices. * In the community, physiotherapists will often run pulmonary rehabilitation programs along with other health professionals. Their input can ensure that disease progression is halted or at least slowed down.
56
Occupational Therapists- respiratory disorders
* As the respiratory condition progresses, an individual's ability to undertake ADLs may be severely impacted and they may require the input from an Occupational Therapist to provide education on how to optimise their energy throughout the day as well as the provision of equipment to support them in their ADLs.
56
Respiratory Physician/Specialist- respiratory disorders
* Whilst much of the management of COPD and Asthma is coordinated by the GP, if there is difficulties around diagnosis, progression of the condition, particularly COPD requiring home oxygen or admission to hospital for any of the disorders discussed this week, a respiratory physician or specialist will need to be involved. * Respiratory specialists assist with difficult diagnosis, optimise management and provide educational support for the individual and their family/carer.
56
Short-acting (SABA)
- Β2 adrenoreceptor stimulation resulting in bronchodilation. - Onset of action 5-15 minutes, duration 3-6 hours - This is a symptom reliever - Caution with pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks. Crosses placental barrier causing foetal tachycardia. - Fine skeletal muscle tremor - Palpitations - Tachycardia - Nervousness - Check inhaler technique - Monitor vital signs as an ^HR may be a side effect - Monitor and escalate any arrhythmias -Educate patients on possible side effects
56
Long-acting (LABA)
- Inhalation (accuhaler - DPI) - Aerolizer – DPI - Breezhaler - DPI - Β2-adrenoreceptor stimulation resulting in bronchodilation. - Onset of action 10-30 minutes, duration 12 hours. - Used for maintenance, not relief of symptoms - Caution with pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks. Crosses placental barrier causing foetal tachycardia. - Fine skeletal muscle tremor - Palpitations - Tachycardia - Nervousness - Check inhaler technique - Monitor vital signs - Monitor and escalate any arrhythmias - Educate patients that these are not to be used as a reliever. - Once commenced they should be used regularly to control asthma or COPD symptoms
56
General Practitioner- respiratory disorders
* For individuals with asthma or COPD the GP will manage their condition from home. They will develop asthma management plans and COPD action plans in consultation with the individual and their family/carers. * For those with pneumonia they can establish a diagnosis, recommend investigations (chest x-ray, sputum samples, blood tests), commence antibiotic therapy if appropriate and refer for further input from other health professionals such as physiotherapists and respiratory physicians. * GPs are a vital team member for all elements of a patient's ongoing management both pre and post hospital admission and should always be kept in the loop.
57
Short-acting - Ipratropium bromide - Aclidinium bromide
Nebuliser, MDI - Block vagal tone and those reflexes that induce bronchoconstriction. May also reduce secretions - Onset of action 3-5 minutes, duration 4-6 hours - Symptom reliever in those unable to tolerate SABAs, chronic asthma, but less effective than SABA - Caution in those with unstable angina, AMI or arrhythmias - Caution in those with urinary outlet constriction, acute /narrow angle glaucoma - Contraindicated in those with sensitivity/allergy to atropine - Local irritation, dry mouth, dysphagia, thirst, constipation, nausea, vomiting - headache, nervousness, insomnia, - urinary urgency, retention - impotence - tachycardia, palpitations, arrhythmias - maintenance of good dental/oral health due to persistent dry mouth potentiating dental caries. - Ensure appropriate MDI technique including avoiding mist entering eyes - Inform patient to seek medical advice if – difficulty passing urine, painful urination, eye pain/discomfort.
58
Long-acting - Tiotropium
Dry powder inhalation - This is not a first-line treatment for asthma management - Block vagal tone and those reflexes that induce bronchoconstriction. May also reduce secretions - Onset of action 3-5 minutes, duration 4-6 hours - Symptom reliever in those unable to tolerate SABAs, chronic asthma, but less effective than SABA - Caution in those with unstable angina, AMI or arrhythmias - Caution in those with urinary outlet constriction, acute /narrow angle glaucoma - Contraindicated in those with sensitivity/allergy to atropine - Local irritation, dry mouth, dysphagia, thirst, constipation, nausea, vomiting - headache, nervousness, insomnia, - urinary urgency, retention - impotence - tachycardia, palpitations, arrhythmias - maintenance of good dental/oral health due to persistent dry mouth potentiating dental caries. - Ensure appropriate MDI technique including avoiding mist entering eyes - Inform patient to seek medical advice if – difficulty passing urine, painful urination, eye pain/discomfort.
59
Xanthine derivatives - Aminophylline - Theophylline
IV Oral - Bronchial smooth muscle relaxation - Stimulation of myocardium, CNS and respiration - Relaxation of smooth muscle in blood vessels decreasing peripheral resistance - Inhibits release of inflammatory mediators and histamine - Promotes diuresis - Maintenance therapy for severe asthma and COPD. - Pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks - Breastfeeding – dosage to mother should be minised as excreted in breastmilk - Anxiety - Headache - Nausea and vomiting - Bradycardia - Xanthines, diuretics and hypoxia may increase the risk of hypokalaemia if administered with β2 adrenoreceptor agonists - Warn patient not to take excessive amounts of caffeine related beverages
60
Corticosteroids Local - Fluticasone propionate - Beclomethasone - Budesonide
MDI, DPI Tablet/liquid - anti-inflammatory blocking bronchial hyper-responsiveness - reduces prostaglandin and histamine generation - reduces production of substances leading to bronchospasm - reduces production of immunoglobulins IgE, IgG and mast cells - reduces mucus production - Used in chronic asthma and COPD - Not to be used as a nasal spray as resulting severe nasal infection, septic ulceration and recurrent nasal bleeding can result. - Impaired wound healing - Abdominal pain, diarrhoea - Hoarseness, sore throat, dry mouth - Instruct patient to take bronchodilator first to enable opening of airway - Caution if on both oral and inhaled steroid therapy - Teach patient to rinse mouth after using inhalation therapies
61
Systemic corticosteroids - Hydrocortisone - Methylprednisolone - Prednisolone
IV Oral - Suppress inflammatory response including inhibiting inflammatory mediators - Increase gluconeogenesis and decrease peripheral glucose utilisation - Inhibit protein synthesis - Affect mood and behaviour, neuronal excitability - May be used for a short period to assist with control of acute respiratory conditions - Pregnancy and breastfeeding - Sodium and fluid retention, potassium and calcium depletion - Hypertension, congestive cardiac failure, arrhythmias - Muscle wasting, weakness, osteoporosis - Nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension - Headache, depression, mood swings, insomnia - Delayed wound healing, easy bruising - Acute adrenal insufficiency if ceased abruptly - Monitor electrolytes, ensure salt restricted diet, consider potassium supplements. - Patient should be monitored for changes in mood - Monitor BGL – especially in patients with diabetes mellitus. - Fluid balance chart/daily weigh - Monitor adrenal functioning in long term use.
62
Mast Cell Stabilisers - Sodium cromoglycate (Intal) - Nedocromilsodium (Tilade)
Nebuliser solution, MDI, DPI - Anti-inflammatory medications that inhibit the release of histamine, leukotriene, and other mediators of inflammation from mast cells. - Used for mild to moderate asthma prophylaxis and prevention of bronchospasm. - Caution when used as a nasal spray as it may result in severe nasal infection, septal ulceration and recurrent nasal bleeding - Headache - Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain - Cough, pharyngitis, bronchospasm - Inform the patient to use a spacer with the inhaler - Ensure medication is not stopped abruptly as asthma may deteriorate.
63
Leukotriene receptor antagonists - Zafirlukast - Montelukast
Oral tablets - Block leukotriene receptors to reduce inflammation, mucous secretion and bronchoconstriction - Used for prophylaxis and treatment of chronic asthma - Caution in pregnancy - Fever - Headache, dizziness, fatigue - Sleep disturbance - Depression - Not to be used as a reliever during acute asthma - Inform patient to avoid use of heavy machinery if symptomatic with dizziness and/or fatigue.
64
Mucolytics - Bromhexine (Bisolvon) - Acetylcysteine sodium (mucomyst)
Elixir, Inhalation, tablet - Mucolytics alter the structure of mucous, breaking down the mucous chains to decrease viscosity and aid in removal. - This thins the secretions allowing them to be removed through ciliary action. - breastfeeding - nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea - headache, dizziness - may contain fructose so avoid for those with fructose intolerance - caution in those with gastric ulcer or severe kidney/liver disease.
65
Penicillin - Amoxicillin - Ampicillin - Benzylpenicillin - Dicloxacillin - Flucloxacillin - Piperacillin - Ticarcillin
Oral – tablets and suspension IM, IV - Inhibit formation of bacterial wall - Bactericidal against gram-positive bacteria. - Wide usage across multiple body systems - breastfeeding - nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea - headache, dizziness - may contain fructose so avoid for those with fructose intolerance - caution in those with gastric ulcer or severe kidney/liver disease.
66
Cephalosporins - Cefalexin - Cephalothin - Cefazolin - Cefepime hydrochloride - Cefotaxime Sodium - Ceftazidime - Ceftriaxone Sodium
Oral – tablets and suspension IM, IV - Inhibit formation of bacterial wall - Bactericidal but broad spectrum. - Wide usage across multiple body systems - Pregnancy and breastfeeding (apart from cefalexin and cefazolin which are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding) - Nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, bad taste, abdominal pain/cramps, diarrhoea - Hypersensitivity reaction - Dizziness, headache, insomnia, somnolence, malaise - Superinfection - Granulocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, eosinophilia Instruct patient to seek medical advice immediately if any of the following occurs: - signs of frequent infection including fever, sore throat, swollen glands or mouth ulcers - unusual bleeding or bruising under the skin - tiredness, headache, dizziness, paleness, shortness of breath - yellowing of skin or eyes.
67
Tetracyclines - Docycycline - Minocycline - Tetracycline
Oral – tablets Ointment IV - Interfere with bacterial protein synthesis by blocking 30S ribosomal subunit - Bacteriostatic - Broad spectrum - Used for infections due to E. coli, Enterobacter, H. influenzae, Klebsiella, Proteus, Streptococcus pyogenes, S. faecalis - Absorption may be reduced by milk, food, sodium bicarbonate and other oral compounds. - Should not be given in combination with penicillins - Close monitoring of prothrombin time for those on oral anticoagulant therapy - Anorexia, dysphagia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, glossitis - Oesophagitis, oesophageal ulceration - Dizziness, headache, tinnitus, vertigo, light headedness - Increase in serum urea so not recommended for those with renal impairment - For patients on prolonged therapy, blood counts, renal and liver function should be monitored regularly - Warn patients to avoid exposure to direct sunlight and sunlamps or beds. Cover up all skin if unavoidable - Patients to take oral preparations whilst sitting up and with at least 100ml of fluid. To remain sitting up for at least 30 minutes. - Avoid taking within 2 hours of any antacid or iron supplement.
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Generic Nursing Considerations for all antibiotics
The patient should be advised or instructed to: · Obtain a MedicAlert bracelet or pendant if they have an allergy to any antibacterial agent · Inform any medical or nursing personnel of an allergy · Complete the entire course of the prescribed antibiotic even if they are feeling better. · Immediately seek medical advice if any they experience any diarrhoea, severe stomach cramps and/or fever during therapy, skin rashes or hives, blistering or peeling of skin, facial swelling including lips, mouth or throat making it difficult to breathe or swallow. · Take medication in appropriate association with food. Some antibiotics must be taken on an empty stomach whilst others should be taken with food. · Seek medical advice (not an emergency) if vaginal itching or discharge occurs (thrush) · Check with their prescriber if also on oral contraceptive medication as many antibiotics may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. · Seek medical advice if a female patient becomes pregnant or plans to breastfeed during therapy.