Drugs affecting the upper respiratory tract Flashcards
What is the mechanism of action for antitussives?
suppress cough reflex by acting on the CNS, only used for non-productive cough!
used for short term use of disease process that causes dry unproductive cough
is there a potential for abuse with antitussives?
YES YES YES
What are some adverse effects of antitussives?
CNS depression (both) dizziness, lethargy
GI effects (both) n/v (codeine can cause constipation)
What are some nursing considerations for antitussives?
Patients are a fall risk
have patient change positions slowly
With the constipation make sure the patient has plenty of fluids
There is a codeine antagonist which is naloxone (narcan) to reverse effects
use cautiously in patients with a history of abuse
used for a short duration for abuse potential
What are some patient teaching points for antitussives?
Avoid driving while on them
change positions slowly
watch out for adverse effects
avoid alcohol and other drugs that suppress CNS
What is the mechanism of action for decongestants?
vasoconstriction leads to shrinking of swollen mucous membranes through alpha 1 stimulation
CAN BE TAKEN ORALLY OR NASALLY
What is the benefit of taking a decongestant nasally?
it goes straight to the mucous membrane for a faster and more local effect
when taken orally it can cause a systemic affect causes vasoconstriction systemicaly (watch out with CAD and HTN)
What are some contraindications for decongestants?
HTN (alpha 1 stimulation)
CAD (alpha 1 stimulation)
What are some nursing considerations for a nasal sympathomimetic decongestant?
Dont administer if membranes are broken, causes more irriatation
Rebound congestion (after 3-5 days of use) caused by damaged tissue from the medications which causes the tissues to be unresponsive to the medication… for this reason it is best to taper the use of them to prevent rebound congestion
When administering lie lateral with head in a low position to prevent swallowing (prevents systemic effects)
What are some nursing considerations for oral sympathomimetic decongestants?
Monitor BP (systemic vasoconstriction)
monitor for cardiac symptoms
does NOT cause rebound congestion
if patient has HTN, CAD, or other heart related issues it may not be a good idea to take the oral form
When taking a nasal topical steroid, what are some nursing considerations for them?
dont administer in membranes are broken
Monitor for infections (nasal and systemic)
Drug of choice for seasonal allergies
NO REBOUND CONGESTION, LONG TERM USE POSSIBLE
May take 7 days or longer for full effect, wont give immediate relief, begin taking before seasonal allergies come on (if you know when they will start)
what are some administration techniques for intranasal medications?
clear nose before administration
dont swallow
lie in lateral position with head low
what is the therapeutic action of antihistamines?
blocks histamine to decrease secretions and increase airway passage clearance, also used for nausea/motion sickness
for nausea/motion sickness usually use promethazine or hydroxyzine for nausea in hospital
Can many antihistamines be found OTC?
YES YES YES (sometimes mixed with other drugs)
How can first and second generation antihistamines be administered?
IV, IM, PO, itntranasal
