Pharmaceutical Care of Respiratory Patients I (Role of Pharmacist in Community) Flashcards
List 8 red flag symptoms for respiratory conditions
- Chest pain/pain on breathing
- Wheezing/SOB
- Recurrent cough
- Chronic cough >3 weeks
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Purulent (pussy) sputum
- Haemoptysis (coughing blood)
What 3 things should be recommended for patients with respiratory diseases who have a cold?
- Paracetamol
- Honey and lemon
- Steam inhalation
What should asthmatics avoid when they have a cold?
NSAIDs
What should be avoided by patients with respiratory diseases who have a cold?
Respiratory depressants - no cough suppressants or antihistamines
What medication can patients with COPD take if they suffer from a strain or sprain?
- Can use NSAIDs if no other cautions/contra-indications
- Paracetamol
What medications can asthmatics take if they suffer from a strain or sprain?
- Paracetamol
- Co-codamol if respiratory function is okay
- No NSAIDs
What should asthmatics not use for head lice?
Alcoholic solutions - evaporating alcohol can irritate lungs and cause wheezing
What is it recommended that asthmatics should use for head lice?
Aqueous solutions - don’t irritate skin or lungs e.g. Hedrin`
What is it recommended that patients with RDs should take for hayfever?
- Non-sedating antihistamine e.g. cetirizine, loratidine
- Topical preparations e.g. nasal corticosteroids, eye drops
What kind of antihistamine is it not recommended for patients with RDs to take for hayfever?
Sedating antihistamines - not recommended in respiratory conditions due to anticholinergic effects (block action of ACh)
Name 6 conditions respiratory patients may present with
- Tremor/palpitations
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Heartburn
- Insomnia
- Thrush
What could tremor/palpitations be caused by in patients with RDs?
- Salbutamol and theophylline (treat and prevent wheezing)
- Review treatment
What could tiredness be caused by in patients with RDs?
- Deterioration in COPD - lack of oxygen
- Refer
What could nausea be caused by in patients with RDs?
Side effects of drugs e.g. theophylline
What could heartburn be caused by in patients with RDs?
- Oral prednisalone or theophylline
- Treat with antacid/omeprazole