PHARM:MODULE 8: RESPIRATORY MEDICATIONS Flashcards
What are the uses of nasal decongestants?
(Upper respiratory agents)
Produces a vasoconstriction effect (sympathomimetic)
What are the side/adverse affects of nasal decongestants?
(Upper respiratory agents
High blood pressure, decreased mucous secretions, constipation, decreased urine output, dilated pupils.
What are the precautions of nasal decongestants?
(Upper respiratory agents)
allergy, glaucoma, hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disease, coronary disease, prostate problems, acute infections. All of these could be exacerbated by the sympathomimetic mechanisms of decongestants
What are the nursing interventions of nasal decongestants?
(Upper respiratory agents)
Monitor vitals, bowel sounds. Rebound congestion, increased anxiety, tremors, diaphoresis, pallor
What are the nursing considerations of nasal decongestants?
(Upper respiratory agents)
*Should not be taken with someone who has high blood pressure or heart problems
-assess for contraindications (pregnancy, diabetes, etc.)
-assess baseline, skin color and temperature, orientation
-assess for lesions in nasal mucosa
-monitor ins & outs to evaluate urinary retention.
-Be diligent on monitoring for possible infection
What are the uses for antitussives (opiate & non- opiate)?
(Upper respiratory tract)
Used to suppress the cough reflex
What are the uses for antitussives (opiate & non- opiate)?
(Upper respiratory tract)
Used to suppress the cough reflex
What are the side/adverse affects for antitussives (opiate & non- opiate)?
(Upper respiratory tract)
Respiratory damage
What are the precautions for antitussives (opiate & non- opiate)?
(Upper respiratory tract)
Opiate has a risk for tolerance & dependency. Opiate = most effective. Extra caution must be taken with patients with asthma or allergies due to the chance of bronchoconstriction
What are the nursing interventions for antitussives (opiate & non- opiate)?
(Upper respiratory tract)
Monitor condition and provide education. Dependant on use and agent used
What are the nursing considerations for antitussives (opiate & non- opiate)?
(Upper respiratory tract)
Assess client for presence or history of persistent, non-productive cough, respiratory distress, SOB, productive cough.
-Monitor for drowsiness.
What are some education for antitussives (opiate & non- opiate)?
(Upper respiratory tract)
-avoid driving and performing hazardous activities, avoid alcohol - increased CNS depression, immediately report: green or yellow tinged sputum, difficulty breathing, excessive drowsiness, nausea, constipation, vomiting.
*Store away from children
What are the uses for expectorants?
(Upper respiratory tract)
Used to thin bronchial secretions so they can more easily be eliminated by coughing.
What are the side/adverse affects for expectorants?
(Upper respiratory tract)
Drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, headache, dizziness, bronchospasm, rash
What are the precautions for expectorants?
(Upper respiratory tract)
If there is an allergy, pregnancy/lactation
What are the nursing interventions for expectorants?
(Upper respiratory tract)
Monitor response (cough), monitor GI upset, bronchospasms, CNS effects, rash. Ensure comfort & safety
What are the nursing considerations for expectorants?
(Upper respiratory tract)
Proper administration, take with food, ensure safety - no driving, educate about overdose
What are the uses for antihistamines?
(Upper respiratory tract)
Blocks effects of histamine - designed to block H1 receptors. Decreased histamine = decreased vaso- permeability
What are the side/adverse affects for antihistamines?
(Upper respiratory tract)
Drowsiness, sedation, drying of GI mucous membranes, GI upset, nausea, dysuria, hesitancy urinating, skin eruption/itching. Disturbed coordination
What are the precautions for antihistamines?
(Upper respiratory tract)
Pregnancy, lactation, hepatic/renal impairment, arrhythmias
What are the nursing interventions for antihistamines?
(Upper respiratory tract)
Assess effectiveness, provide relief of dry mouth, provide safety (drowsiness/sedation), increase fluid intake, provide skin care if necessary/indication by doctor, encourage voiding to eliminate risk of retention, avoid alcohol, provide health teaching & support
What are the nursing considerations for antihistamines?
(Upper respiratory tract)
Assess vitals, skin color, texture, and lesions, orientation, affect and reflexes, evaluate renal and liver function
What are the uses for bronchodilators?
(Beta2-Agonists). *SHORT ACTING:SABA
(Lower respiratory agents)
-Sympathomimetic. Relaxes smooth muscle in bronchioles, causing bronchodilation - lowering resistance and increasing ease of breathing
**Relievers. 2-3 hours (drug dependant). Systemic rather than localized (inhaled).
What are the uses for bronchodilators?
(Beta2-Agonists)*LONG ACTING:LABA
-Sympathomimetic. Relaxes smooth muscle in bronchioles, causing bronchodilation - lowering resistance and increasing ease of breathing
**8 hours (drug dependant.) - need to be taken daily, even if symptoms are absent. Over time inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness to allergen will be reduced.
