Medication Exam - Respiratory Drugs Flashcards
Meter Dose Inhaler or MDI
drug via propellant - drug in solution
Requires hand eye coordination
Spacers and aerochambers improve distribution
Nebulizers
Vaporize a liquid into fine mist
Requires machine
Takes long time to deliver dose
Bronchodilator - Beta agonist - short acting - SALBUTAMOL (rescue agents = short acting)
Used for asthma and COPD(rescue agent, PRN)
AE: Tachycardia Anxiety Arrhythmias Nervousness Restlessness Tremor Vertigo Headache Hypokalemia
Typical dose 1-2 puffs up to QID PRN
Caution if arrhythmias are present or on BETA BLOCKERS
Not given orally because it won’t act fast and tachycardia
Bronchodilator - Anticholinergic - ipratropium(atrovent)
Mostly for COPD
Must be dosed quite often = short duration (q4h)
AE: Hoarseness Dry mouth Cough Bitter taste
Caution in conditions contraindicated to anticholinergic use - elderly, incontinence , glaucoma, kidney disease —> may still be used but need monitoring
Rinse mouth after use
Anti-inflammatory - Corticosteroids - Fluticasone
Asthma and COPD
AE:
Hoarseness
Change in voice
Thrush
WATCH FOR Systemic Steroid Effects - Hypertension, Hyperglycemia and Osteoporosis
Rinse mouth after to prevent oral candidiasis -fungal infection
NURSE’s ROLE ASTHMA AND COPD
Monitor VS - BP, Pulse , T and Wt
Assess O2 levels, RR, skin color, resp effort, secretions
Assess AE
Educate inhaler technique and adherence
Identify triggers of exacerbations
Codeine - Antitussive
Identify contraindications
- Hypertension or CV disease
Encourage proper use
Antihistamine - Dipenhydramine
Allergy symptoms
Usually added into nighttime formulations to cause drowsiness
Acetaminophen
No anti-inflammatory
Fever or Pain, Osteoarthritis
AE: Liver toxicity GI upset Urine output Jaundice Sweating Dark urine Confusion Pale
Max dose of 4g/24hrs
Avoid alcohol
Interacts with warfarin - watch warfarin levels
Monitor response to treatment
