drug therapy for nasal congestion and cough Flashcards
what are some defense mechanisms used to prevent virses and bacteria from enetering respiratory tract
nasal hairs, mucous, cilia, cough and sneeze reflexes
describe the common cold
-usually effects the upper respiratory tract (mouth/nose/pharynx/larynx/trachea)
-viral infection (antibiotic isnt going to help)
-2-4 occurences a year typical in adults
-up to 10 occurences a year for schoolchildren
-viruses invade via mucous membranes
-can survive hours on skin, hard surfaces
describe sinusitis
-affects upper respiratory tract
-inflammation of paranasal sinuses
-fluid and microbe movement via cilia impeded bc of nasal swelling
-impairment of movement results in infection
what is the most common cause of sinusitis
rhinitis (runny nose)
true or false?
the common cold id caused by many types of bacteria
false
the common cold is caused by many types of viruses
what are some common upper respiratory disorder signs and symptoms
-nasal congestion
-cough (productive or nonproductive)
-increased secretions
describe nasal congestion
happens when nasal passages become blocked and swollen from inflamed blood vessels
describe cough
-protective reflex in response to inflammation or irritation
-can be productive (get shit out) or nonproductive (not getting shit out, dry)
describe increased secretions
-can run down throat into bronchi
-can result from cold, sinusitis, irritation, or surgery
name some nasal decongestants
-pseudophedrine (oral)
-oxymetazoline (nasal spray with less systemic effects)
-phenylephrine
describe the action of nasal decongestants
-relieve nasal obstruction and discharge by producing vasoconctriction
-stimulates SNS
when are nasal decongestants contraindicated?
-severe HTN
-CAD
-narrow angle glaucoma
-antidepressants
when should nasal decongestants be used with caution?
in cardiac dysrhythmias, hyperthyroidism, DM, postratic hypertrophy, glaucoma
what are some nursing considerations r/t nasal decongestants
-may take with or without food
-monitor for cardiacside effects
-do not crush extended release tabs
describe pt teaching with nasal decongestants
-encourage adequate fluid intake (thins secretions)
-humidification
-do not take longer tan package recommended
-avoid caffeine
-avoid accidental OD
-avoid in HTN
-proper use of nasal spray
true or false?
sympathomimetic drugs and used to relieve nasal obstruction and discharge
true
sympathomimetic drugs are used to relieve nasal obstruction and discharge. they relieve nasal congestion and swelling by mimicking the effects of SNS (whcih reduces blood flow to nasal mucosa)
name some antitussives
-dextromethorphan
-benzonatate
-codeine
what are some uses of antitussives
suppress dry, hacking, nonproductive cough
what are some centrally acting antitussives
narcotics and nonnarcotics
these are taken orally and act on whole body
what are some locally acting antitussives
throat lozenges, cough drops
describe administration of lquid or locally acting antitussives
NPO for 30mins after
what are some drug-drug interactions associated with antitussives
many antidepressants
describe patient teaching with antitussives
-encourage adequate lfuid intake
-humidification
-do not take longer than 1 week
-avoid accidental OD
gice an example of expectorants
guaifenesin
describe the use of expectorants
liquify respiratory secretions, allowing for easier removal, use in productive cough
what are some nursing implications r/t expectorants
-do not crush or chew extended release tabs
-no major side effects
-only contraindications is allergy to med
describe pt teaching with expectorants
-encourage adequate fluid intake
-humidification
-do not take longer than 1 week (without seeing MD)
-avoid accidental OD
-encourage coughing and deep breathing
give an example of mucolytics
acetylcysteine
describe the action of mucolytics
liquefy mucus in respiratory tract; administered by inhalation
describe the use of mucolytics
clear airways in chronic lung disease such as cystic firbrosis or severe asthma
what are some nursing considerations r/t mucolytics
-can be given via different routes depending on drug use (also used as antidote to acetaminophen OD)
-monitor airway clearance after admin
-have suction equipment available
-remove residue left from treatment from face with water (smells like shit)
describe pt teaching for mucolytics
-encourage adequate fluid intake
-encourage coughing and deep breathing
give some examples of OTC cold remedies
-vicks nyquil
-zinc, echinacea, vitamin C (may help if taken in first 24hrs)
describe vicks nyquil
-many contain antihistamine, nasal decongestant, and analgesic
-some contain antitussives, expectorants, etc
-pseudoephedrine being replaced by phenylephrine
a common mucolytic used to liquify mucus in respiratory tract is:
A) acetylcysteine
B) Ipratropium
C) desxtromethorphan
D) pseudoephedrine
A) acetylcysteine
key is the term liquify
cold remedies listed as nondrowsy or labeled as daytime formulas do not contain:
A) a decongestant
B) a first generation antihistamine
C) a pain reliever
D) any of the above
B) a first generation antihistamine
major side effect of early antihistamines is drowsiness (think diphenhydramine/benadryl)
a nurse is caring for a pt with nasal congestion who is using the OTC decongestant oxymetazoline. the nurse counsels the pt that this med should only be used for the time recommended on the package and no longer bc excessive use may cause…
rebound nasal congestion
