Medications for Upper Respiratory System

Question 1

Antitussive: Opioids

medications

Answer 1

1) prototypes =
- codeine
- hydrocodone

Question 2

Antitussive: Opioids

expected action and therapeutic uses

Answer 2

1) suppress cough

2) chronic nonproductive cough

Question 3

Antitussive: Opioids

adverse effects

Answer 3

1) dizziness
2) lightheadedness, drowsiness
3) respiratory depression
4) nausea
5) vomiting
6) constipation
7) potential for abuse

Question 4

Antitussive: Opioids

nursing interventions/client education

Answer 4

1) obtain, observe vital signs
2) monitor when ambulating
3) sit or lie down when feeling lightheaded
4) monitor for respiratory depression
5) avoid driving
6) take w/ food
7) increase fluids and dietary fiber
8) use for short duration

Question 5

Antitussive: Opioids

nursing administration

Answer 5

1) avoid hazardous activities, such as driving, while taking codeine
2) change positions slowly and lie down if needed
3) avoid alcohol and CNS depressants while taking codeine

Question 6

Antitussive: Non-Opioids

medications

Answer 6

1) prototype = dextromethorphan (found in many OTC medications)
2) other medications =
- benzonatate (Tessalon)
- diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Question 7

Antitussive: Non-Opioids

purpose and complications

Answer 7

1) suppresses cough (not as strong as codeine)
2) few adverse effects
- mild nausea, dizziness, sedation

Question 8

Expectorants: medications

Answer 8

1) prototype = guaifenesin (Mucinex)

Question 9

Expectorants: expected action and therapeutic uses

Answer 9

1) increases cough production through increasing mucous secretion
2) manifestations of colds, allergic rhinitis, or cough

Question 10

Expectorants: adverse effects

Answer 10

1) GI upset
2) drowsiness
3) dizziness
4) allergic reaction

Question 11

Expectorants: nursing interventions/client education

Answer 11

1) take w/ food if GI upset occurs
2) do not drive
3) if rash occurs, stop guaifenesin and notify provider
4) increase fluids
5) read labels on OTC medications

Question 12

Mucolytics: medications

Answer 12

1) prototype =
- acetylcysteine (Mucomyst, Acetadote)
- hypertonic saline

Question 13

Mucolytics: expected action and therapeutic uses

Answer 13

1) enhance flow of secretions in respiratory tract
2) -acute and chronic pulmonary disorders
- cystic fibrosis
- acetaminophen poisoning

Question 14

Mucolytics: adverse effects and nursing interventions/client edcuation

Answer 14

1) -aspiration
- bronchospasm
2) -monitor for adverse effects
- stop medication immediately

Question 15

Mucolytics: nursing administration

Answer 15

1) odor like rotten eggs
2) inhalation, oral, or IV
3) mixed in fruit juice or cola drinks or water

Question 16

Decongestants: medication

Answer 16

1) prototype =
- phenylephrine
- ephedrine
- naphazoline
- phenylpropanolamine

Question 17

Decongestants: expected action and therapeutic uses

Answer 17

1) reduction in inflammation of nasal membranes
2) -allergic rhinitis
- decongestant for sinusitis and common cold

Question 18

Decongestants: adverse effects

Answer 18

1) rebound congestion secondary to prolonged use of topical agents
2) CNS stimulation
3) agitation
4) nervousness
5) uneasiness
6) vasoconstriction

Question 19

Decongestants: nursing interventions/client education

Answer 19

1) use for short time (3-5 days)
2) taper use
3) monitor CNS symptoms
4) avoid in clients who have heart or coronary artery disease

Question 20

Antihistamines: medications

Answer 20

1) prototypes: 1st generation H1 antagonists =
- diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- promethazine (Phenergan)
- dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
2) other medications: 2nd generation H1 antagonists =
- loratadine (Claritin)
- cetirizine (Zyrtec)
- fexofenadine (Allegra)
- desloratadine (Clarinex)

Question 21

Antihistamine: expected action and therapeutic uses

Answer 21

1) block histamine
2) -mild allergic reactins
- anaphylaxis
- motion sickness
- insomnia

Question 22

Antihistamine: adverse effects

Answer 22

1) sedation
2) dry mouth
3) constipation
4) GI discomfort
5) flushed face
6) high fever
7) tachycardia
8) urinary retention
9) pupil dilation

Question 23

Antihistamines: nursing interventions/client education

Answer 23

1) take at night to minimize daytime sedative effects
2) avoid driving, hazardous activities w/ alcohol and CNS depressant
3) take antihistamine w/ meals
4) if acute toxicity occurs, notify provider