Chapter 28: The Respiratory System Flashcards
What is used to treat the common cold?
Antibiotics WILL NOT CURE A COLD OR ANY OTHER VIRAL INFECTION. Treatment of colds is considered symptomatic treatment, meaning medications are used to manage the symptoms of a cold until the virus runs its course.
A secondary bacterial infection may occur with a cold, and then antibiotics would be prescribed.
Treatments for the symptoms of a common cold:
Antihistamines- To dry up runny nose
Decongestants- To thin mucus
Cough suppressants/expectorants/mucolytics- To help with coughing
Analgesics- To ease aches and pains
Antipyretics- To reduce fever
NSAIDs- To reduce inflammation
What drugs can commonly contribute to a cough?
ACE Inhibitors (-pril)
Hypertension Medication
A ___________ cough is one that brings mucus out of the lungs.
Productive
A ___________ cough is a dry, hacking cough.
Nonproductive
What patients must NOT take oral decongestants?
Those who are currently taking MAOIs (antidepressants). You should wait for two weeks after stopping MAOIs to take oral decongestants due to the risk of cardiac complications of combining the two medications.
What illegal drug can be made with pseudoephedrine?
Methamphetamine (meth)
Legal limits for purchasing products containing pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine:
The Combat Methamphetamine Act of 2005 sets limits on purchase amounts.
Daily Limit: 3.6g
30 Days: 9g
Mail-In: 7.5g
Pharmacy customers must present a driver’s license or state id at the time of purchase.
Typical nasal decongestants act as ____________, sending edema-causing fluids and blood back to the vessels from which they originally leaked, thereby shrinking the dilated (swollen) blood vessels.
Vasoconstrictors
Who must not use topical nasal decongestants?
Patients with the following conditions:
Diabetes
Excessively dry nasal membranes
Enlarged prostate
Glaucoma
Heart or blood vessel disease such as CHF or coronary artery disease
High blood pressure
Overactive thyroid gland
Daily limit for acetaminophen?
4g
__________ is used as an antidote in acetaminophen overdose to prevent or mitigate hepatic (liver) injury.
N-acetylcycteine
How fast do beta-adrenergic bronchodilators work to help open airways?
Within approximately 15 minutes.
A bacterial infection most commonly found in the lungs, although it can spread to any part of the body. Highly contagious. Can also be sexually transmitted and is fatal if left untreated.
Tuberculosis
