Cough, Cold, and Flu Flashcards
What are the clinical presentations of a cold?
sore throat (1-3 days after exposure), nasal symptoms (2-3 days later), in 30 % of patients they will experience a cough by day 4-5
Contrast: Cold vs Flu
symptom onset (cold = gradual, flu = abrupt), fever = flu, aches = flu, chills = flu, sneezing = cold, stuffy nose = cold, sore throat = cold, headache = flu, both flu and cold pt may experience cough, but more severe in flu
What groups are at increased susceptibility to colds?
children, large groups, smokers, lack of sleep, stress
Name the exclusions for self-care for cold/flu:
-fever (temp >100.4)
-chest pain
-shortness of breath
-worsening of symptoms or new symptoms during self-treatment
-underlying chronic cardiopulmonary diseases (asthma, COPD, CHF)
-AIDS or chronic immunosuppressant therapy
-infants < 3 months of age
Name the exclusions for self-care for cough:
-difficulty breathing
-SOB
-dyspnea
-cyanosis
-hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
-weight loss
-night sweats
-cough that worsens or doesn’t improve
-fever (>100.4)
-history of tuberculosis
-immunocompromised status
-HIV
-barking cough or “whooping” sounding cough
-chronic illnesses
Define: decongestants
specifically treat sinus and nasal congestion by stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors by constricting blood vessels. results in decreased edema, increased nasal ventilation and drainage, relieves headaches, and decreased irritation of the nostrils and mucous membrane
What are the pros and cons of nasal decongestants?
pro= induce prompt vasoconstriction with less systemic absorption (less side effects), con= potential to develop rhinitis medicamentosa (rebound congestion)
what are the pros and cons of oral decongestants?
pro= reaches deep into the nasopharyngeal and sinus passages and no rebound congestion, con= associated with more cardiovascular and CNS stimulation
Name (generic/brand name) nasal decongestants:
-levmetamfetamine (Medicated Vapor Inhaler)
-naphazoline (Privine)
-oxymetazoline (Afrin, Vicks Sinex)
-phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine)
-propylhexedrine (Benzedrex)
-xylometazoline (Otrivine)
Define: Rhinitis Medicamentosa
rebound congestion that can occur from using nasal decongestants for more than 3 days
Name the nasal decongestant delivery devices:
-atomizer nasal spray
-metered dose pump spray
-nasal inhaler
-nasal drops
Counseling Points: Atomizer Nasal Spray
-do not shake bottle
-keep head upright
-sniff deeply while squeezing the bottle
Counseling Points: Metered Dose Pump Spray
-spray medication into air before use
-tilt head forward while administering
-sniff deeply while depressing the pump once
Counseling Points: Nasal Drops
-lie back on surface with head tilted back
-after medication administration gently tilt head from side to side
-continue to lie on back for a couple of minutes
Counseling Points: Nasal Inhaler
-warm the inhaler in hand
-sniff deeply while inhaling
-wipe the inhaler after each use
Adverse Effects: Decongestants
-cardiovascular= elevated BP, tachycardia, palpitations, arrhythmias
-CNS stimulation= restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, tremors, fears, and hallucinations
Name (generic/brand name) oral decongestants:
-Sudafed PE (phenylephrine 10 mg)
-Sudafed (pseudoephedrine 30 mg)
-Sudafed 12 Hour (pseudoephedrine 120 mg)
-Sudafed 24 Hour (pseudoephedrine 240 mg)