common respiratory disorders

Question 1

drugs used for congestion

Answer 1

decongestants– alpha agonists

Question 2

what are alpha agonists’ effect on the nervous system?

Answer 2

sympathomimetics

Question 3

what do sympathomimetics do to the body?

Answer 3

cause vasoconstriction in swollen nasal membranes

Question 3

example of an alpha agonist

Answer 3

phenylephrine

Question 4

side effects of nasal decongestants

Answer 4

stinging, burning, drying of nasal mucosa, rebound congestion

Question 5

side effects of oral decongestants

Answer 5

cardiovascular: hypertension, tachycardia
CNS: headache, nervousness, agitation

Question 6

allergic reaction steps

Answer 6

allergen triggers an immune response (IgE antibodies react), histamine is released from mast cells

Question 7

antihistamines effect on histamine

Answer 7

block histamine receptors, can be first generation or traditional (diphenhydramine) or second generation and non-sedating (Zyrtec)

Question 8

ADR’s of antihistamines

Answer 8

sedation/drowsiness. Care for interaction with other CNS depressants because it already depresses the CNS

Question 9

anticholinergic side effects

Answer 9

dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation

Question 10

implications when taking antihistamines

Answer 10

avoid driving, using hazardous equipment, and using other sedating drugs, drink 2-3 L of fluid per day, take with food to minimize GI irritation, patient education essential

Question 11

remember that antihistamines prevent nasal congestion but do not..

Answer 11

relieve existing congestion

Question 12

intranasal glucocorticoids

Answer 12

along with antihistamines, now first line therapy for allergic rhinitis. has anti-inflammatory actions.

Question 13

how to treat productive cough

Answer 13

mucolytics

Question 14

job of mucolytics

Answer 14

reduce the viscosity of mucous, also used in larger doses to treat cystic fibrosis and acetaminophen overdose

Question 15

example of a mucolytic

Answer 15

acetylcysteine

Question 16

how to treat a non-productive cough

Answer 16

use of cough suppressants and opiates

Question 17

opiates example and availability

Answer 17

an example of an opiate is Codeine, there are fears of abuse and addiction so they are prescription only

Question 18

opiates side effects

Answer 18

drowsiness, constipation, respiratory depression

Question 19

example of intranasal glucocorticoids

Answer 19

beclomethasone