Exam Two Flashcards
4 Upper respiratory infections
- Common cold
- Acute rhinitis
- Sinusitis
- Acute pharyngitis
How many colds a year do adults have?
2-4
How many colds a year do children have?
4-12
T/F: 50% of colds are experienced in the winter.
True
What causes the common cold?
Rhinovirus
What is acute rhinitis?
acute inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose
T/F: acute rhinitis usually accompanies a common cold.
True
What is allergic rhinitis?
Hay fever, caused by pollen or foreign substance. Not the same thing as acute rhinitis.
When is the common cold most contagious?
1-4 days before the onset of symptoms (incubation period)
T/F: transmission of the common cold is caused mainly by viral droplets released when sneezing.
False; occurs more frequently from touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose or mouth.
What are symptoms of the common cold?
nasal congestion, nasal drainage (rhinorrhea), cough, and increased mucosal secretions
What are the four groups of drugs used to treat cold symptoms?
- Antihistamines (H1 blocker)
- Decongestants (sympathomimetic amine)
- Antitussives (suppresses coughing)
- Expectorants
What happens when histamine is released from mast cells?
Vascular smooth muscle contraction, which leads to runny nose and congestion
What effect does H1 blockers have?
PREVENTS constriction of the smooth muscles lining the nasal cavity.
What effect does H2 blockers have?
PREVENTS increase of gastric acid secretion, thereby preventing peptic ulcers. (not used for respiratory disorders)
What side effects are associated with first generation antihistamines?
drowsiness, anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, blurred vision, urine retention, decreased secretions which is good for runny noses)
What should clients be advised not to do while taking1st gen antihistaimines?
Drive motor vehicles/use heavy equipment due to sedative effects
T/F: the most popular first generation antihistamine is diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
True
What receptor does diphenhydramine (Benadryl) effect?
It blocks the H1
T/F: Benadryl is okay to be used as a sleep aid in the elderly.
False
Which group of drugs does diphenhydramine (Benadryl) have an increased effect with?
CNS Depressants (ETOH, narcotics, sedatives, barbiturates)
T/F: Benadryl is sometimes used to pre-medicate prior to blood tranfusions to avoid common minor blood reactions
True
What is another common name for second-generation antihistamines?
nonsedating antihistamines
T/F: second-generation antihistamines have fewer anticholinergic effects than first generations do.
True
Name one second-generation antihistamine
cetirizine (Zyrtec)
fexofenadine (Allegra)
oratadine (Claritin)
T/F: antihistamines can be used in emergency situations, such as anaphylaxis.
False
What causes nasal congestion?
Dilation of nasal blood vessels
What is the action of decongestants?
stimulate the alpha-adrenergic receptors to produce vasoconstriction or capillaries, thereby shrinking nasal mucous membranes and decreasing nasal fluid secretions (runny nose)
What classification are decongestants?
Alpha-adrenergic agonists/ sympathomimetics
What is rebound nasal congestion?
rebound vasodilation instead of vasoconstriction caused by frequent use of decongestants. Caused by irritation of the nasal mucosa
What is an example of a systemic decongestant?
ephedrine, phenylephrine, and pseudoephedrine
What are the side effects of decongestants?
Same as any adrenergic drug: stimulation of CNS, increased BP, HR, and blood glucose
What are decongestants contraindicated in?
hypertension, cardiac disease, and hyperthyroidism, and DM
What are glucocorticoids used for?
treatment of allergic rhinitis
How do glucocorticoids work?
Decrease local immune response/antiinflammatory action
Example of a glucocorticoid?
Beconase, Vanceril, Flonase, Nasacort
What do antitussives act on?
cough center in the medulla to suppress cough reflex
With what kind of cough can an antitussive be used?
nonproductive and irritating
Examples of nonarcotic antitussives?
Dextromethorphan, romilar, robitussin DM
Examples of narcotic antitussive?
Codeine
What is the purpose of expectorants?
loosen bronchial secretions so they can be eliminated by coughing
T/F: it is questionable if expectorants are clinically effective
True
What is the best expectorant?
Hydration
What is the most common expectorant preparation?
guaifensein
What are two pathophysiologic changes than occur with restrictive lung disease?
Decrease in total lung capacity/elasticity of lung tissues and decreased ability to take a full inhalation
Examples of restrictive lung diseases?
pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonitis, lung tumors, scoliosis, myasthenia gravis
What are the pathophysiologic changes that occur with COPD?
airway obstruction with increased airway resistance of airflow to lung tissues
Name the 4 causes/types of COPD
- chronic bronchitis
- Bronchiesctasis (dilation of bronchi)
- emphysema
- chronic asthma
Why is treatment for COPD focused on symptom control?
Permanent irreversible damage to lung tissue may occur
What is the etiology of asthma?
hypereractive immune system, stimulated by a trigger
The hallmark symptoms of asthma, wheezing and difficulty breathing, are due to what?
bronchospasm
What are the 3 signs of COPD?
Dyspnea, bronchoconstriction, and mucus secretion
When allergens attach themselves to mast cells, what is the result?
antigen-antibody reaction, which stimulates the release of chemical mediators: histamines, leukotrienes
What do the chemical mediators (histamines, leukotrienes) stimuate?
Bronchoconstriction
What is the goal of an acute asthmatic attack?
Stop bronchospasm and prevent continued hyperimmune response
What is the first line of defense for an acute asthmatic attack?
Sympathomimetics
Which drug is given SC to promote bronchodilation and elevate blood pressure in the event of an acute asthmatic attack?
Epinephrine (adrenaline)- used for emergencies
T/F: epinephrine is dangerous to use except in life threatening situations
True
What is a medication that is for acute asthmatic attacks, but is rarely used because of its side effects?
Isoproterenol (Isuprel)
What type of drug is isoproterenol (Isuprel)?
non-selective adrenergic agonist (stimulates beta 1 and 2)
Which drug can have tolerance with excess use and have paradoxical spasm with overuse?
Metaproterenol (alupent)
Which drug is preferred for emergency tx or rescue inhaler for home?
albuterol (Proventil)
What type of drug is albuterol?
Beta 2 agonsit
T/F: high doses of beta 2 agonists can cause some degree of beta 1 stimulation.
True
What two side effects may be seen with albuterol?
increase in heart rate and blood glucose
What type of drug is ipratropium bromide (Atrovent) and what is its purpose?
anticholinergic, dilates bronchioles
T/F: Atrovent has more side effects compared to traditional anticholinergics.
False; it has less side effects
If a patient is using a B agonist in addition to Atrovent, which should be used FIRST?
B agonist, then Atrovent
If a patient is using a corticosteroid in addtion to Atrovent, which should be given FIRST?
Atrovent
What two drugs make up Combivent?
ipratropium (Atrovent) and albuterol
What is the action of methylxanthine (xanthine)?
stimulates CNS and respiration, dilates coronary and pulmonary vessels, leading to bronchodilation
What are the three methylxanthine derivatives?
aminophylline, theophylline, and caffeine
What are side effects of theophylline?
GI disturbances, nervousness,
T/F: tobacco increases the metabolism of theophylline, giving it a short half life and producing less effect/
True
What is the drug action for Leukotriene receptor antagonists?
reduce inflammatory process and decrease bronchoconstriction
Why are leukotriene receptor antagonists not used for acute asthma attacks?
The effects last for 24 hours
Which leukotriene receptor antagonist is used for kids 6 years and older
montelukast (Singulair)
Which leukotriene receptor antagonists are used for adults and children over 12?
zileuton (Zyflo) and zafirlukast (Accolate)
What is the drug name for the aerosol inhaler of the glucocorticoid?
beclomethasone (Vanceril, Beclovent)
T/F: inhaled steroids have less systemic effects.
True
T/F: patients should NOT wash their spacers and mouths after using a inhaler.
False; they should wash things things to prevent left behind drug deposits, which may lead to candida albicans
T/F: glucocorticoids must be tapered when stopping
True
What do mast cell stabilizers do?
stabilize the mast cell membrane to suppress the release of histamine, resulting in an anti-inflammatory response
Do mast cell stabilizers have a bronchodilator effect?
No, and they should not be used for an acute asthmatic attack
Examples of mast cell stabilizers.
comolyn (Intal) and nedocromil (Tilade)
What is the action of Mucolytics?
liquidfy and loosen thick mucus secretions
acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) is what type of drug?
Mucolytic
What two things can acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) be used for if given orally?
- Antidote for acetaminophen overdose
2. Protect kidney in radiology dye studies
T/F: acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) smells and tastes awful.
True
What is preferred to give in Step 1 of the treatment program for asthma?
SABA PRN
What is preferred to give in step 6 of the treatment program for asthma?
High-dose ICE+LABA+oral corticosteroid
What are diuretics used to treat?
hypertension and edema in heart failure and liver or kidney failure
What is natriuresis and what drugs have the greatest effect in causing it?
sodium loss in the urine; drugs that act on the tubules closest to the glomeruli
How do diuretics produce antihypertensive effects?
by blocking Na and H2O reabsorption, which leads to loss through urine.
Which tube do thiazide diuretics act on?
the distal tube
T/F: thiazide should be used cautiously in patients with decreased renal function.
True
What hypo lab abnormality might thiazide cause?
hypokalemia (K) **enhances digoxin, can cause digitalis toxicity
What hyper lab abnormalities might thiazide cause?
Hypercalcemia (calsium), hyperglycemia, and hyper uricemia (serum uric acid)
If a patient has more urine output, should you expect an increase or decrease in electrolyte levels?
Decrease
Because it may cause hypokalemia, thiazide should not be used with…
steroids
Where do loop diuretics work and what do they do?
Act on ascending loop and inhibit Na reabsorption= water loss
T/F: loop diuretics are dose dependent. the higher the dose, the greater the effect of the drug
True, this is called the high ceiling
T/F: loop diuretics are less potent than thiazides.
False; loop diuretics are more potent, causing 2-3x more water loss
Name the most common loop diuretic
furosemide (Lasix)
What lab changes may occur with loop diuretics?
Hypokalemia, hypoatremia (sodium), and hypocalcemia
What is the onset of loop diuretics orally? IV?
Oral: 30 minutes; IV: 3-5 minutes
If a patient is on loop diuretics, a nurse should do what two things?
- watch electrolytes
2. make safe path to restroom
In high or rapid doses, loop diuretics are associated with…
otoxicity; damage to the 8th cranial nerve
What is the action of osmotic diuretics?
increase osmolality of plasma and fluid in renal tubules, which leads to an increase in excretion of Na, Cl, K, and water b/c it is pulled into the blood and ultimately the urine
T/F: osmotic diuretics are used for emergencies and are short term with a short drug action.
True
What two types of pressure are decreased by osmotic diuretics?
intracranial and intraocular
Which diuretic is used to prevent renal failure?
Osmotic diuretics
Example of a osmotic diuretic?
Mannitol
How is mannitol administered?
IV
What is a problem that is common with mannitol and should be watched out for?
Mannitol with crystalize if exposed to a low temp. Vial must be warmed to dissolve crystals before administration. Do not give mannitol if crystals are present
T/F: osmotic diuretics pulls water from interstitial space to vascular space, then moves to the kidney where we get rid of it
True
Why might pulmonary edema result from an osmotic diuretic use?
rapid fluid shift can overload a weak heart
How does fluid loss effect HR and BP
Will lead to tachycardia and hypotension
What do potassium sparing drugs interfere with?
Na-K pump controlled by aldosterone
T/F: potassium-sparing diuretics are aldosterone agonists.
False; they are aldosterone antagonists, they interfere with the pump controlled by aldosterone
Which diuretic is the least potent?
potassium-sparing
Example of a potassium-sparing diuretic
spironolactone (Aldactone)
Which diuretic are potassium-sparings typically paired with?
Thiazide to lessen K+ loss
What is a side effect of potassium-sparing diuretics?
hyperkalemia; do not take a potassium supplement if on this drug
What types of drugs should not be taken with potassium-sparing diuretics?
Any drug that holds on to K (like ACE inhibitors)
What is the most effective way to monitor fluid volume?
daily weights
Besides weight, what can be used to monitor fluid volume?
I & O, BP, fatigue, weakness, breath sounds and edema (last two not best)
T/F: fall risk is increased if a patient is on diuretics.
True
Name 4 medically approved uses for CNS stimulants
ADHD, Narcolepsy, obesity (sort of), reveral of respiratory distress
Do CNS stimulants increase or decrease the level of NTs?
Increase
Which two NTs do Amphetamines stimulate the release of?
norepinephrine and dopamine
What two problems are treated with amphetamines?
ADHD and narcolepsy
What is a common amphetamine?
amphetamine (Adderall)
Four side effects of amphetamines?
- sleeplessness
- restlessness
- tremors
- irritability
What cardiovascular problems may occur while taking amphetamines?
tachycardia, palpitations, dysrhythmias, and hypertension (can be dangerous for people w/ high HR or BP)
T/F: long term use of amphetamines does not typically lead to dependence and tolerance
False
T/F: amphetamine use is associated with substance abuse problems later in life
True
What should you do if toxicity is suspected to cause excretion of amphetamines?
decrease the urine pH
Name a common amphetamine-like drug
methylphenidate (Ritalin)
T/F: Ritalin should not be given 6 hours before bed
True
What is a common amphetamine-like drug given for narcolepsy?
modafinial (Provigil)
What four things should be assess for with patients taking Ritalin?
BP, pulse, weight, and judgment (May produce false sense of well-being)
T/F: patients taking Ritalin should take a drug holiday
True
What are two purposes of a drug holiday?
- chance to reevaluate without drug to see if still needed
2. prevent tolerance- can start drug back up again at a lower dose
T/F: patients on ritalin should avoid alcohol, but not caffeine
False; they should avoid both
Name of a anorexiant
dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
T/F: dexedrine is associated with problems of tolerance, dependence, and abuse
True
T/F: dexedrine is recommended as an appetite supressant
False; it is not recommended
Due to its association with causing hemorrhagic strokes in women, which drug was taken out of OTC cold and weight loss drugs?
phenylpropanolamine
What is the primary purpose of analeptics?
stimulate respiration
Two examples of analeptics
Caffeine and theophylline (bronchodilator)
What are analeptics most commonly used for?
newborn respiratory distress
Example of a respiratory CNS stimulant
Doxopram (dopram)
Doxopram should be used cautiously with…
neonatal apnea- mechanical ventilation is better
What is the pathophysiology of headaches/migranes
inflammation and dilation of blood vessels in the head
Preventative treatment for headaches includes…
Beta-adrenergic blockers (propanolol), anticonvulsants (valproic acid), and tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline)
What are triptans used to treat?
headaches
Example of a triptan
zolmitriptan (Zomig)
What type of drug is a triptan?
selective serotonin receptor agonist
Triptans must be used cautiously if the patient has a history of…
Mi or hypertension
What is the drug of choice for treating insomnia?
Sedative-hypnotics
During which stage of sleep does most recallable dreams occur?
REM
What is the most mild form of CNS depression?
Sedation
What types of effects do low doses of sedative-hypnotics produce?
Sedative effects: diminishes responses but does not alter consciousness
What types of effects do high doses of sedative-hypnotics produce?
Hypnotic (sleep) effects
T/F: hypnotic drug therapy should be short-term to prevent drug tolerance and dependence
True
Which controlled substance class do barbiturates belong to?
Class II (accepted medical use, but highly addictive)
Which herbal supplements will produce an additive type effect with barbiturates?
Kava kava and Valerian