Pharmaceutical Care of Asthma Flashcards
things to consider when looking out for asthma?
- age
- cough (wet/dry)
- sputum
- wheeze
- shortness of breath (SOB)
- tight chest/chest pain
What does SOCARATES stand for?
Site Onset Character Relieving factors Associated symptoms Timing Exacerbating factors Severity
What to do if a patient has an acute asthma attack?
- 4 puffs then 2 puff every 2 minutes for 10minutes - salbutamol
- hospital
- nebulised salbutamol
- IV hydrocortisone then oral Prednisolone
What drug is contained in the blue inhaler?
usually salbutamol
What drug is contained in the brown inhaler?
usually steroids
What drug is usually contained in the purple inhaler?
combination of drugs
what is used to measure expiratory flow rate?
a peak flow meter
what three things should an asthma action plan include?
- when to increase treatments
- how to change treatment if deteriorating or when to go back to maintenance medication
- when to seek medical help
what vaccinations are people with asthma advised to take?
influenza and pneumococcal vaccination
factors to consider when deciding on an inhaler to use…?
- availability of drug and dose in devise
- ability to develop and maintain an effective technique with the device
- suitability of the devise to person’s lifestyle
- preference for and willingness to use the device
cost
Devices used to deliver inhaled drugs?
- pressurized metered-dose inhalers
- breath-actuated metered-dose inhalers
- dry powder inhalers
- spacer with varying volumes
- face masks with varying designs
- nebulisers
What age group do you give a pMDI (pressurised metered dose inhaler) to?
> 5yrs
what age group do you give a pMDI with a spacer to?
> 4ys
what age group do you give a pMDI with a spacer and mask to?
4yrs and younger
what age group do you give a breath-actuated metered-dose inhaler to?
> 5yrs
what age group do you give a dry-powder inhaler to?
5yrs and above
what is the recommended inhaler for inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators in adults?
a pMDI with or without a spacer
what is used by adults if they are unable to use a standard pMDI and spacer?
a dry powder inhaler or a breath-actuated metered-dose inhaler
when do you use a nebulizer and what is put in it?
- used when in a severe exacerbation of asthma
- short-acting bronchodilators and anticholinergic drugs combined
in 5-15 year olds, what is recommended for the delivery of inhaled corticosteroids?
a pMDI with a spacer
what type of delivery devices are best for portability?
DPI’s and breath-actuated MDI
what is the best type of delivery device for children <5yrs for the delivery of corticosteroids and bronchodilators?
a pMDI and a suitable spacer device and a face mask if necessary
what is contained in a combination inhaler?
a corticosteroid and long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA)
why are combination inhalers recommended?
- they guarantee that the long-acting beta2-agonist isn’t taken without an inhaled steroid
- and it improves adherence
