Drug Cards Resp.

Question 1

Prototype drug for antitussives:

Answer 1

Robitussin (dextromethorphan)

Question 2

3 other drugs antitussives (besides dextromethorphan)

Answer 2

-benzonatate -codeine -hydrocodone

Question 3

Action of antitussives:

Answer 3

suppresses cough center in medulla

Question 4

Side effects of antitussives

Answer 4

-n/v -GI upset -constipation -headaches -congested feeling -dizziness -addiction potential

Question 5

Adverse side-effects of antitussives:

Answer 5

-resp. depression -confusion -drowsiness -sedation

Question 6

Interactions of antitussives with other drugs:

Answer 6

Interacts with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors = nausea, myoclonic jerks, coma
-opioids or alcohol = resp. depression, sedation, death

Question 7

Contraindications for antitussives:

Answer 7

Breast feeding/pregnant
ages 4 and under
CNS injury/head injury
Conditions that require coughing to clear their airway (COPD; asthma)

Question 8

Nursing considerations for antitussives and other presentation of cough:

Answer 8

-temp
-does cough last for longer than 1 week

Question 9

Patient education for antitussives:

Answer 9

-caution with driving/activities needing alertness

Question 10

Integrative approaches to a cough/congestion:

Answer 10

fluids, rest, humidifier, staying away from smoke/allergens, and wash hands frequently

Question 11

Prototype drug for topical nasal decongestant:

Answer 11

Tyzine (tetrahydrozoline)

Question 12

4 other drugs listed for topical nasal decongestants besides tetrahydrozoline:

Answer 12

-naphazoline -oxymetazoline -xylometazoline -phenylephrine

Question 13

Action of topical nasal decongestants:

Answer 13

“sympathomimetics”= mimics SNS to vasoconstrict - edema & inflammation of nasal membranes decrease

Question 14

Side effects of topical nasal decongestants:

Answer 14

-stinging/burning -rebound congestion if used 3-5 days or more -systemic absorption (increased pulse/blood pressure; urinary retention) -fever -dyspnea -light-headed -nausea/vomiting -confusion

Question 15

Interactions of topical nasal decongestants:

Answer 15

monitor carefully with other SNS effecting drugs

Question 16

Contraindications of topical nasal decongestants:

Answer 16

-openings in nasal passage
-conditions exacerbated by SNS activity = glaucoma, hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disease, coronary disease, prostate problems, (adrenergic)

Question 17

Prototype drug of oral decongestants:

Answer 17

phenylephrine (Sudafed PE)

Question 18

1 other oral decongestant besides phenylephrine:

Answer 18

pseudoephedrine

Question 19

Action of oral decongestants:

Answer 19

shrinks nasal mucous membrane by stim. alpha-adrenergic receptors; promotes drainage of sinuses and improves airflow.

Question 20

Side effects of oral decongestants:

Answer 20

Rebound congestion; anxiety; sweating; restless; tremors; hypertension; arrhythmias; pallor; n/v; urinary retention; resp. dif.

Question 21

interactions of oral decongestants:

Answer 21

Do not combine with other OTC drugs with same ingredients = overdose

Question 22

contraindications for oral decongestants:

Answer 22

Same as topical (conditions exacerbated by adrenergic activity)
Pregnancy

Question 23

Patient Education of oral decongestants that is different from topical nasal decongestants:

Answer 23

Use for no more than 1 week.

Question 24

Prototype drug for steroid nasal decongests

Answer 24

Nasalide (flunisolide)

Question 25

4 other steroid nasal decongestants besides flunisolide

Answer 25

-beclomethasone -fluticasone -triamcinolone -budesonide

Question 26

Action of steroid nasal decongestants:

Answer 26

Anti-inflammatory; unknown mechanism

Question 27

Indications of ruse of steroid nasal decongestants:

Answer 27

Allergic rhinitis and nasal decongestion

Question 28

Side effects of steroid nasal decongestants:

Answer 28

-local burning/irritation -stinging -dryness of mucosa -headache -suppresses healing -increased candida

Question 29

Interactions of steroid nasal decongestants:

Answer 29

Do not combine with other nasal medications

Question 30

Contraindications for steroid nasal decongestants:

Answer 30

open wounds in nose
-active infections

Question 31

Patient ed for steroid nasal decongestants:

Answer 31

-acute infections (even fungal)
-avoid exposure to airborne infections (measles & varicella chickenpox)
-takes 2-3 weeks to notice therapeutic effects.

Question 32

Prototype drug for 1st gen antihistamines

Answer 32

Benadryl (diphenhydramine)

Question 33

Other 1st gen drugs besides diphenhydramine:

Answer 33

-brompheniramine -clamestine -carinoxamine -chlorpheniramine -cypocheptadine -dexchlorpheniramine -dimenhydrainate -hydroxyzine -meclizine -promethazine -triprolidine

Question 34

Action of 1st gen. antihistamines

Answer 34

Blocks effect of histamine @ histamine-1 receptor sites, decreasing allergic response;

Question 35

Difference between 1st gen and 2nd get antihistamines:

Answer 35

Anticholinergenic (sedating) & antipruritic effects

Question 36

Side-effects of 1st gen antihistamines:

Answer 36

Drowsiness/sedation
-drying of resp. & GI mucous membranes
-GI upset -dysuria (difficulty peeing) -urinary hesitancy -skin eruption/itching due to dryness -Nausea -arrhythmias

Question 37

Interactions of 1st gen. antihistamines?

Answer 37

Anticholinergic effects are prolonged with MAO inhibitors.
-CNS depressants - increases sedative effect

Question 38

1st gen antihistamine contraindications:

Answer 38

pregnancy/lactation -pt. w/ arrhythmias or prolonged QT intervals

Question 39

Important nursing considerations for 1st gen antihistamines:

Answer 39

Adjust dose for renal/hepatic impaired pt
Can be fatal in children!

Question 40

Pt. education for 1st gen antihistamines:

Answer 40

-Don’t combine with other OTC
-take with food -caution driving
-avoid alcohol