Lower Respiratory Flashcards
What are the causes of narrowed airways?
Mucosal swelling, constriction of smooth muscle, mucus plug
These factors can compromise the lumen of the bronchioles.
What is bronchoconstriction?
Bronchospasms causing airway inflammation
This condition is characteristic of asthma.
What triggers asthma attacks?
Allergens, cold or dry air, particles in air
What is the goal of asthma treatment?
Improve airflow, reduce symptoms, reduce frequency of attacks
What are the two focuses of asthma treatment?
Attack management (rescue inhalers), prevention (steroids)
What happens to alveoli with repeated excess mucus and swelling?
They lose elasticity
What is chronic bronchitis?
Condition where alveolar walls and capillaries are destroyed, reducing gas exchange area
What characterizes COPD?
Combination of chronic bronchitis and emphysema, Alveolar damage cannot be reversed.
What is the most common cause of COPD?
Smoking
What medications are used to treat COPD?
- Bronchodilators
- Beta adrenergic agonists
- Anticholinergics
- Methylxanthines
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Corticosteroids
- Mast cell stabilizers
- Leukotriene inhibitors
- Mucolytics
- Expectorants
- Antitussives
Treatment may vary based on severity.
What is the intended response of bronchodilators?
Smooth muscle relaxation, airways widen, wheezing disappears
What are short-acting beta2-adrenergics used for?
Rescue inhalers for acute asthma attacks and COPD
Example: albuterol (Ventolin).
What are long-acting beta2-adrenergics used for?
Prevent attacks in asthma and keep airways open in COPD
Example: salmeterol (Serevent).
What are common side effects of inhaled bronchodilators?
Tachycardia, hypertension, tremors, insomnia
Adverse effects are limited unless used excessively.
What is the combination drug Combivent comprised of?
Ipratropium (anticholinergic) + Albuterol (β blocker)
Used for prevention and rescue in respiratory conditions.
What should be assessed before administering bronchodilators?
Auscultate lungs, baseline vital signs
What should be done after administering corticosteriod drug?
rinse mouth to prevent thrush
What considerations should be taken for older patients when prescribing respiratory medications?
More sensitive to cardiac and nervous system side effects
Peak flow meter
treatment for asthma
Green Zone
80-100%, Asthma is undercontrol continue medications
Yellow zone
50-80%, Narrowing of airways, need to take action
Red Zone
below 50%, severe airway narrowing, use rescue inhaler and contact DR if symptoms gets worse
Emphysemia
-Alveoli wall and capillaries are destroyed
- chronic irritation, inflammation, and swelling
- alveoli rupture or scar
Saba
short acting beta 2
