CF Regimen Flashcards
what is step 1 to the CF medication regimen
open the airways with a bronchodilator (albuterol, xopenex)
what is the detailed step 1 of the CF regimen
a bronchodilator relaxes the smooth muscle of the airways, opening them up and allowing for better airflow and easier airway
what is step 2 of the CF regimen
hydrate the airways with an osmotic agent (hypertonic saline)
what is the detailed step 2 of the CF regimen
- inhalation of a 7% hypertonic saline solution aids in hydrating the thick mucus making it easier to move.
- -since hypertonic saline can cause bronchospasm, it is recommended that bronchodilator always be given first
what is step 3
thin the mucus with a mucolytic (pulmozyme)
what is the detailed step 3
pulmozyme is a mucolytic. It is a medication that thins the thick, sticky, mucus in the lungs. When the mucus is less thick and sticky, it is easier to loosen, mobilize, and cough or huff out
what is step 4
clear the mucus with an airway clearance technique
what is detailed step 4
once your airways are relaxed and more open, and the pulmozyme has thinned the mucus, then it is time for an airway clearance technique (ACT).
what does and ACT do in step 4
an ACT will help to mobilize the mucus out of the smaller airways and into the larger ones where a cough or a huff will remove it.
–In CF, the mucus in the lungs have millions of bacteria, go getting as much out as possible is important.
what is step 5
kill the bacteria with an inhaled antibiotic (Tobi or Colistin)
what is the detailed step 5
after your airway clearance and cough of huff maneuver has cleared your lungs of the loosened mucus, it is time for the inhaled antibiotic, which helps kill the bacteria remaining in the lungs
what is step 6
reduce the swelling with an anti-inflammatory (Flovent, Advair)
what is the detailed step 6
CF airways can become inflamed (swollen) from all of the mucus and infection. An anti-inflammatory medication will help reduce the swelling. Always remember to rinse your mouth after inhaled steroids
