Drugs Used to Treat Upper Respiratory Diseases

Question 1

when should antihistamines be taken?

Answer 1

reduce symptoms of nasal itching, conjunctivitis, rhinorrhea, lacrimation, sneezing
take 45-60 minutes before exposure to an allergen and throughout time as needed
treatment of mild rhinitis and conjunctivitis

Question 2

what meds are beneficial for allergy relief

Answer 2

promethazine hydrochloride/phenergan; cetirizine/zyrtec allergy; clemastine fumarate/tavist allergy; diphenhydramine hydrochloride/benadryl allergy; fexofenadine/allegra; levocetirizine/xyzal allergy 24; loratadine/claritin; chlorpheniramine maleate/chlor-trimeton; cyproheptadine hydrochloride; olopatadine/patanse

Question 3

interventions for rebound congestion

Answer 3

1. withdraw treatment all at once and use saline nasal spray to alleviate dryness/irritation
2. reduce dosage and clear one nostril at a time instead of both at once

Question 4

implications for cromolyn sodium

Answer 4

must be taken before exposure to an allergen stimulant
Check to see if the healthcare provider has ordered the concurrent use of antihistamines or nasal decongestants
Have the patient blow his or her nose before the nasal instillation

Availability
Nasal spray: 5.2 mg/actuation in 13-mL (100 sprays) and 26-mL (200 sprays) metered-spray devices.
Inhalation via nebulizer: 20 mg/2 mL in 2-mL plastic containers.
Oral concentrate: 100 mg/5 mL in 5-mL ampules.

Question 5

nursing education on fexofenadine

Answer 5

can severely impair the patient’s cognitive function and motor skills; pts are reported as not being aware of this change

Question 6

expectorant pathophysiology

Answer 6

liquefy mucus masses that may plug the narrow bronchioles by stimulating the secretion of natural lubricant fluids from the serous glands. A combination of ciliary action and coughing will then expel the phlegm from the pulmonary system
used to treat bronchitis, non-productive cough, and pneumonia

Question 7

what is medication reconciliation?

Answer 7

comparing a patient’s current medication orders with all of the medications that the patient is actually taking
aims to prevent omissions, duplications, differences in dosing, and drug interactions. It should be completed as part of every transition of care during which new medications are ordered or existing orders are rewritten

Question 8

adverse affects of fluticasone

Answer 8

nasal irritation/burning is usually mild and tends to resolve with continued therapy