Lower Respiratory Agents Flashcards
Where do Lower Respiratory Agents work?
Where gas exchange occers
* Bronchial tree
* Alveoli
Which diseases are treated with lower respiratory drugs?
- Asthma
- COPD (Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis)
- Pneumonia
- Respiratory Distress Syndrome (neonates)
- Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome
What forms do lower respiratory drugs come in?
Oral, nebulizer, injection
Considerations for Lower Respiratory Tract agents
In Children
Prevention is KEY
* Avoid allergens, smoke, crowds, dusty areas
Used frequently:
* Long-Acting inhaled steroid
* Short-Acting Beta2 agonist (SABA)
* Leukotriene receptor agonist (best for prevention)
Theophylline ONLY if nothing else works
Considerations for Lower Respiratory Tract agents
In Adults
- Avoidance of aggravating factors/triggers
- Periodic review of treatment regimen
- Periodic spirometry to measure lung capacity
- Safety in pregnancy has not been established: benefit vs. risk
Considerations for Lower Respiratory Tract agents
In Older Adults
- Used frequently in this population
- More likely to experience adverse effects
- Renal and hepatic impairment can alter metabolism and excretion
- START LOW, GO SLOW
- Close monitoring
Considerations for Lower Respiratory Tract agents - Adjuvant Therapy
In Older Adults
- Pulmonary hygiene (toileting) - positioning, coughing, deep breathing, head of bed up
- Positioning
- Fluids
- Nutrition
- Humidification
- Rest
- Activity Plans
- Support for complicated drug regimen
Xanthines
Mechanism of Action
- Direct effect on the smooth muscles of the resp. tract, both in the bronchi and in the blood vessels (vasodilation)
- Exact MOA unknown
Xanthines
Indications
- Symptomatic relief or prevention of asthma and COPD
- Reversal of bronchospasm
Xanthines
Drug Names
- Caffeine
- Theophylline (most common)
Other name for Xanthines
Methylxanthines
Xanthines
Safety Considerations
- Narrow margin of safety
- Interact with MANY drugs
- Numerous adverse effects
- Reserved for when other drugs don’t work or critical situation in ICU
Xanthines
Contraindications
Absolute:
* Allergy
Cautions: (worsened with xanthines)
* GI problems
* Heart disease
* Renal or hepatic disease
* Alcoholism
* Hyperthyroidism
Xanthines
Drug Interactions
- ANY drug metabolized in the liver has the potential to interact with xanthines
- Substances in CIGARETTES => need for higher dose to be therapeutic (if pt. decreases or stops smoking, risk for toxicity with the higher dose)
Xanthines
Adverse Effects
Related to theophylline levels in blood
* GI issues: Nausea & Vomiting
* Cardiac: Tachycardia
* CNS: Tremors, Irritability, Insomnia
SEVERE TOXICITY:
* Seizures
* Life-threatening arrhythmias
* Hypotension
* Coma
Xanthines
Assessment
History:
* Allergy
* Pregnancy/lactation
* Cautions
* Smoking history
Physical:
* Respiratory
* Cardiac
* Abdomen
* ECG
Labs:
* Liver and Renal funtion tests
* Theophylline levels
Xanthines
Nursing Conclusions
- Impaired comfort (r/t adverse effects)
- Altered sensory perception (r/t adverse CNS effects)
- Knowledge deficit
Xanthines
Implementation/Patient Teaching
- Administer WITH food or milk to relieve GI upset
- Swith from IV to oral ASAP to avoid systemic effects
- Comfort measures (rest periods)
- Patient Teaching (sig. adv. effects - how to manage, report)
- Lab tests regularly
Sympathomimetics
Mechanism of Action
Bronchodilators
* Beta2 selective adrenergic agonists
* Dilates bronchi
* Increases respiratory rate
* Increases depth of respirations
* SABA (short-acting) and LABA (long-acting)
* Mimics sympathetic nervous system stimulation
Sympathomimetics
Indications
- ACUTE Asthma Attack SABA
- Bronchospasm SABA
- Prevention of exercise-induced asthma SABA
- Maintenance medication for chronic respiratory distress - LABA
Sympathomimetics
Drug Names
Epiniphrine (Drug of choice in bronchospasm)
“-terol”
* Levalbuterol
* Salmeterol
* Albuterol (rescue inhaler)
* Formoterol
“-proterenol”
* Isoproterenol
* Metaproterenol
Sympathomimetics
Contraindications
Absolute:
* Allergy
Cautions:
* Conditions that would worsen with SNS stimulation: (cardiac pts), heart disease, vasular disease, hypothyroidism
Sympathomimetics
Drug Interactions
- Beta Blockers - can block symp. drugs (if administered systemically)
- Other drugs that increase BP or HR
- Substances in cigarettes
Sympathomimetics
Adverse Effects
- Occasionally CAUSES bronchospasm
- Sympathetic Stimulation: CNS stimulation (anxiety, dizziness, headache)’; GI Upset; Cardiac (arrhythmias, hypertension, sweating, pallor, flushing)
Sympathomimetics
Assessment
History:
* Allergy
* Pregnancy/lactation
* cigarette use (affects metabolism of drug)
* conditions that require cautions
Physical:
* Respiratory
* Cardiac
* Neuro
* Vital Signs
Sympathomimetics
Nursing Conclusions
- Altered tissue perfusion
- Impaired comfort
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Knowledge deficit
Sympathomimetics
Implementation
- Proper administration
- Safety measures
- Take 30-60 minutes before exercise for exercise-induced asthma
- Comfort measures: small, frequent meals and nutritional consult
- Patient Education