acetylcysteine

Question 1

what is the trade name for acetylcysteine

Answer 1

Mucomyst

Question 2

what is the classification for acetylcysteine

Answer 2

L-cysteine derivative (mucolytic)

Question 3

what do mucolytics do

Answer 3

break down mucus

Question 4

what is the pharmcotherapeutic (use) for acetylcysteine

Answer 4

used to liquefy the thick, tenacious secretions to help them get removed. Used with CAL (chronic airway limitation), CF (cystic fibrosis), PNA (pneumonia), TB. Can be used during diagnostic bronchoscopy to remove secretions

Question 5

how is acetylcysteine administered

Answer 5

inhalation

Question 6

what is the onset of acetylcysteine

Answer 6

1 minute

Question 7

what is the peak of acetylcysteine

Answer 7

5-10 minutes

Question 8

what is the pharmacodynamics of acetylcysteine

Answer 8

it splits disulfide bonds that are responsible for holding the mucous material together

Question 9

what are the C/I and precautions of acetylcysteine

Answer 9

• hypersensitive. use caution in asthma pts as it may cause bronchospasm
• IV form of med used cautiously. if reaction is seen, have diphenhydramine (Benadryl) ready.

Question 10

what are the A/E of acetylcysteine

Answer 10

bronchospasm, bronchoconstriction, chest tightness, a burning feeling in the upper airway, and rhinorrhea (runny nose)

Question 11

what are the D/I of acetylcysteine

Answer 11

no important drug interactions have been reported for acetylcysteine

Question 12

what health status would you assess for pts taking acetylcysteine

Answer 12

perform a physical examination to establish baselines

Question 13

what are the life span and gender for acetylcysteine

Answer 13

determine pregnancy and lactation status

Question 14

what environment would you assess for pts taking acetylcysteine

Answer 14

usually given in an supervised environment

Question 15

how would you maximize the therapeutic effects of acetylcysteine

Answer 15

administer an inhaled beta agonist before administering acetylcysteine

Question 16

how would you minimize the A/E of acetylcysteine

Answer 16

inform the pt that nebulization may produce an initially disagreeable odor, but that this odor is transient

Question 17

what are the patient and family education for acetylcysteine

Answer 17

• explain the rationale for receiving acetylcysteine
• inform pts that they must not take this drug w/o the assistance of a respiratory therapist
• teach pts and their family members all aspects of pulmonary hygiene

Question 18

what are the ongoing assessment and evaluation of acetylcysteine

Answer 18

for the pt receiving acetylcysteine for its mucolyitc effects, assess the pt for proper techniques of pulmonary hygiene and respiratory status