Lower Respitory Flashcards
What is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Non reversible , chronic
The more COPD attacks the more damage to your lungs so we will try to treat the problem
It’s a combination of chronic bronchitis and emphysema
Signs/symptoms : productive cough, dyspnea, diminished or absent breath sounds, rhonchi ( bubbling sounds)
3rd leading cause of death
What is asthma?
Chronic, intermittent and reversible airway inflammatory disease
Triggered by stress and allergens
It causes inflammation, smooth muscle contraction and mucus production which leads to airway obstruction
Signs and symptoms: cough, dyspnea and wheezing
What is aerosol ?
It’s a powder or fluid medication that is airborne and inhaled, little systemic effect
What do you have to make sure to do when taking aerosols?
Exhale completely
Inhale the dose slow and deep
Hold breath for 5-10 sec
Exhaled through pursed lips slowly
You will have to rinse mouth and spit to avoid oral thrush
After you rinse, you need to drink water to avoid pharyngitis
What are the two types of inhalers?
DPI ( dry powder inhaler )
MDI ( metered dose in haler )
What are the characteristics of a dry inhaler?
By the force of inhalation dry powder is inhaled
There are many different shapes and there is no need for a spacer
What are the characteristics of a MDI?
Uses a propellant to deliver a liquid drug
Shake before using
If two puffs are prescribed wait one minute between two puffs
Why would you use a spacer?
It allows the smallest droplets to be inhaled
If inhaled too quickly the spacer would make a whistling sound
If there is no spacer hold MDI 1-2 inches away from the mouth
RINSE SPACER DAILY , NEVER WIPE INSIDE INHALER because it makes the medication stick to the side
What is a nebulizer ?
Pressurized air vaporizes liquid into fine mist through a mask
Should be administered with pressurized air NOT WITH O2
Takes 15 min
What are rescue medications?
Taken when symptoms indicate PRN
Do not use more than recommended cause it can cause a paradoxical effect
“Q2 hours PRN for dyspnea” means must not be used any sooner than 2 hours from previous dose
Do not take every two hours if not a symptomatic because it is not a maintenance drug
Do not increase frequency , you will have to call the provider to add a new drug or call 911
Always used before other inhaled drugs
What is a maintenance medication?
Must take at regular times regardless of symptoms (scheduled )
What do beta 2 agonist end in?
-Terol
What happens when someone with chronic bronchitis get shortness of breath?
Someone with chronic bronchitis will be taking long acting matinence drug but when they get shortness of breath they who’ll take short acting rescue drug
What happens when you mix ipratropium and albuterol?
You will get synergistic effect ( 1+1=3 will work wAy better)
What systemic effect is most important for ipratropium …..
Tachycardia
