Cardiopulmonary Patient Considerations Flashcards
What is the underlying cause of asthma?
Localized inflammation sensitizes airway structures to asthmatic triggers.
What are the main features of asthma?
Bronchial smooth-muscle spasms, airway inflammation, mucous plugging of airways.
List common asthma triggers.
Allergens, chemicals, drugs, exercise, cold, stress, viral infections.
What is the first-line agent for most asthma patients?
Glucocorticoids.
What are short-acting bronchodilators commonly referred to as?
Rescue inhalers.
How do long-acting beta-2 agonists help in asthma management?
They help maintain bronchodilation for longer periods.
How are glucocorticoids administered for asthma?
Via inhalation.
What do glucocorticoids do?
Directly reduce inflammation causing asthmatic disease.
What do bronchodilators treat?
Secondary manifestation of disease of bronchoconstriction.
What are leukotriene inhibitors used for?
Mediating airway inflammation and long-term control of asthma.
What is Singular/Montelukast used for?
Management of exercise-induced asthma.
Why is Theophylline no longer commonly used?
Due to toxicity concerns.
What advice should you give to a patient using an inhaler?
Use 30-60 minutes prior to therapy and wash mouth out with water after use.
What conditions are included under COPD?
Chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
What is the primary use of bronchodilators in COPD management?
Maintaining airway clearance and preventing airflow restriction.
Which medications are primarily used for COPD patients?
Bronchodilators (Long-acting beta-2 agonists) and anticholinergics.
Which COPD condition would primarily benefit from glucocorticoids?
Chronic bronchitis.
What is angina pectoris?
Pain in the chest due to ischemic heart disease or coronary artery disease.
What are the various types of angina?
Stable, unstable, and variant.
What is the cause of angina pectoris?
Oxygen supply to the heart is insufficient to meet the demands.
What is the primary medication used to manage acute stable angina pain?
Nitroglycerin.
How do B-blockers and calcium-channel blockers help in managing angina?
Decrease myocardial oxygen demand by reducing sympathetic innervation and contractility.
What is the mechanism of action of nitrates?
Promote vasodilation to relax the blood vessels, decreasing venous return and afterload, and increasing coronary blood supply.
What are common side effects of nitrates?
Headache, hypotension, dizziness, reflex tachycardia, flushing of the skin, nausea, and vomiting.
When should you call EMS for a patient taking nitroglycerin?
After they take 2 tablets with no effect.
How should nitroglycerin be taken for angina symptoms?
Take 1 tablet every 5 minutes as needed, not exceeding 3 tablets.
What are the storage requirements for nitroglycerin?
Stored in a dark container, tightly closed, and kept on the person at all times.
What is Ranolazine (Ranexa) used for?
Part of the antianginal regime, decreases frequency of angina, and increases exercise ability without symptoms.
What are the types of heart failure?
- left-sided
- right-sided
- biventricular
- systolic
- diastolic
Which medication group is the first line of defense for CHF?
ACE inhibitors.
What are the goals of CHF medication?
Reduce anxiety, improve vasodilation, slow disease process, improve symptoms, and prolong survival.
What are the primary drugs used to treat CHF?
Digoxin and digitoxin.
How does digitalis increase cardiac output?
By increasing intracellular calcium, which enhances cardiac contractions.
What are common adverse effects of digitalis?
GI distress, CNS disturbances, and arrhythmias.
What do phosphodiesterase inhibitors do?
Inhibit the breakdown of cAMP in cardiac cells, leading to increased myocardial contractility.
How are phosphodiesterase inhibitors administered?
IV administration for short-term acute options.
Which medications are not used to decrease cardiac workload?
Anticholinergics.
What are common signs of acute CHF?
Increased cough, difficulty breathing, abnormal respiratory sounds, frothy sputum.
What is a major concern with patients taking diuretics?
Excessive fatigue and weakness, indicating fluid and electrolyte depletion.
How do vasodilators affect CHF patients?
They can cause hypotension and postural hypotension, requiring caution during physical activities.
What is the mechanism of action of nitrates in treating angina?
Converted to nitric oxide in blood vessels, promoting vasodilation.
What are the effects of systemic vasodilation caused by nitrates?
Decreases myocardial oxygen demand and venous return.
What is the role of thrombolytic agents in angina management?
Increase myocardial oxygen supply by dissolving blood clots.
How do antiplatelet agents help in managing ischemic heart disease?
Prevent blood clot formation, increasing blood flow to the heart.
What is the role of anticoagulants in cardiovascular treatment?
Prevent blood clots, ensuring a smoother blood flow to the heart.
What should be avoided to prevent nitrate tolerance?
Excessive use over time; nitrate-free intervals of 8-10 hours are recommended.
What are the therapeutic considerations for patients with heart failure?
Avoid progression of HF, recognize signs of acute CHF, and be aware of digitalis toxicity.
How do ACE inhibitors help in CHF management?
Reduce cardiac workload by causing vasodilation.
What are the goals of using oxygen in CHF patients?
Reduce anxiety and improve symptoms by increasing oxygen supply.
What are the key benefits of digitalis for CHF patients?
Improves cardiac pumping ability and stabilizes heart rate.
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