CORTICOSTEROIDS

Question 1

Corticosteroids function

Answer 1

-Antiinflammatory properties
-Used for chronic asthma
-Do not relieve symptoms of acute asthmatic attacks—- Not first-line drug for acute asthma!
-Oral or inhaled forms
-Inhaled forms reduce systemic effects
-May take several weeks before full effects are seen

Question 2

Inhaled corticosteroids (key drugs)

Answer 2

Fluticasone (flonase)
Methylprednisolone (medrol/solu-medrol)

Question 3

Inhaled corticosteroids adverse effects

Answer 3

-Pharyngeal irritation
-Coughing
-Dry mouth
-Oral fungal infections
-Systemic effects are rare because low doses are used for inhalation therapy

Question 4

Inhaled corticosteroids priority nursing implications

Answer 4

Tapering off for high doses and orals
Take bronchodilator first before corticosteroid to open airway

Question 5

Inhalers patient education

Answer 5

-For any inhaler prescribed, ensure that the patient is able to self-administer the medication
-Provide demonstration and return demonstration
-Ensure that the patient knows the correct time intervals for inhalers

Question 5

Inhalers patient education

Answer 5

-For any inhaler prescribed, ensure that the patient is able to self-administer the medication
-Provide demonstration and return demonstration
-Ensure that the patient knows the correct time intervals for inhalers

Question 6

Inhalers patient education

Answer 6

-For any inhaler prescribed, ensure that the patient is able to self-administer the medication
-Provide demonstration and return demonstration
-Ensure that the patient knows the correct time intervals for inhalers
-30 seconds in between “puffs” of the same medication
-2-5 minutes in between different inhalers
-Provide a space if the patient has difficulty coordinating breathing with inhaler activation
-Ensure that the patient knows how to keep track of the number of doses in the inhaler device