Pulmonary Medications

Question 1

What is the primary function of the respiratory system?

Answer 1

Mediates gas exchange between the environment and bloodstream.

Question 2

What are the main components of the upper respiratory tract?

Answer 2

Moves air to the lower respiratory tract, removes debris and pollutants, humidifies and conditions the air.

Question 3

What occurs in the alveoli of the lower respiratory tract?

Answer 3

Gas exchange between the air and the blood occurs.

Question 4

What are the main goals of pulmonary medications?

Answer 4

Bronchodilation, facilitation of mucociliary clearance, increased alveolar ventilation, improved control of breathing pattern.

Question 5

What are bronchodilators used for?

Answer 5

To maintain airflow, manage infections, and manage allergies.

Question 6

Name two long-acting beta-adrenergic agonists (LABAs).

Answer 6

Salmeterol (Serevent), Formoterol (Foradil).

Question 7

How are short-acting beta-adrenergic agonists (SABAs) commonly delivered?

Answer 7

Orally, subcutaneously, or via inhalation (preferred method).

Question 8

What is a metered dose inhaler (MDI)?

Answer 8

A portable device that delivers a specific amount of medication to the lungs in the form of a short burst of aerosolized medicine.

Question 9

What is a nebulizer and how does it work?

Answer 9

A device that delivers medication in the form of a mist inhaled into the lungs, commonly used in hospital settings.

Question 10

What are the main benefits of using a short-acting beta-adrenergic agonist (SABA)?

Answer 10

Quick relief of symptoms, considered for rescue therapy, prevents/decreases bronchospasms.

Question 11

Name a common SABA.

Answer 11

Albuterol (ProAir).

Question 12

What are the primary uses of long-acting beta-adrenergic agonists (LABAs)?

Answer 12

Maintenance drugs to provide stable airways, help with symptoms of COPD, improve sleep, reduce the need for reliever medications.

Question 13

Name a common LABA.

Answer 13

Salmeterol (Serevent).

Question 14

What do parasympatholytic agents or muscarinic antagonists do?

Answer 14

They improve bronchodilation by blocking muscarinic receptors that cause bronchoconstriction.

Question 15

Name two common parasympatholytic agents.

Answer 15

Ipratropium (Atrovent), Tiotropium (Spiriva).

Question 16

What is the function of methylxanthines?

Answer 16

Block enzyme action to improve bronchodilation, stimulate CNS and skeletal muscle to improve diaphragmatic contractility and reduce fatigue.

Question 17

Name a common methylxanthine.

Answer 17

Roflumilast (Daliresp).

Question 18

What are corticosteroids used for in pulmonary medicine?

Answer 18

Reduce the inflammatory response that causes bronchoconstriction.

Question 19

What are mast cell stabilizers used for?

Answer 19

Prevent release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators, reduce inflammatory response.

Question 20

Name a common mast cell stabilizer.

Answer 20

Cromolyn (Intal).

Question 21

What are leukotriene inhibitors used for?

Answer 21

Inhibit leukotrienes that promote bronchoconstriction and inflammation.

Question 22

Name a common leukotriene inhibitor.

Answer 22

Montelukast (Singulair).

Question 23

What are decongestants used for?

Answer 23

To relieve runny nose, mucosal swelling, and fluid lead from colds or respiratory infections by causing vasoconstriction.

Question 24

Name two common decongestants.

Answer 24

Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed).

Question 25

What are antihistamines used for?

Answer 25

To treat seasonal allergies and respiratory allergic responses by decreasing mucosal congestion, irritation, and discharge.

Question 26

Name three common antihistamines.

Answer 26

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Loratadine (Claritin), Cetirizine (Zyrtec).

Question 27

What are antitussives used for?

Answer 27

To manage cough associated with respiratory symptoms, suppress ineffective dry hacking cough.

Question 28

Name two common antitussives.

Answer 28

Benzonatate (Tessalon), Codeine.

Question 29

What are mucolytics used for?

Answer 29

Decrease thickness of mucus by disrupting the bonds of mucoid and purulent secretions.

Question 30

Name a common mucolytic.

Answer 30

Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst).

Question 31

What are expectorants used for?

Answer 31

Facilitate expectoration of respiratory secretions by increasing hydration of airway or volume of secretions.

Question 32

Name a common expectorant.

Answer 32

Guaifenesin (Mucinex).

Question 33

What are respiratory stimulants used for?

Answer 33

Stimulate the central respiratory center to increase ventilation.

Question 34

Name a common respiratory stimulant.

Answer 34

Doxapram (Dopram).

Question 35

What are respiratory depressants used for?

Answer 35

To manage anxious breathing and agitation by suppressing ventilatory drive.

Question 36

Name two common respiratory depressants.

Answer 36

Sedatives, Narcotics.

Question 37

What are the main considerations for pulmonary rehabilitation?

Answer 37

Focus on respiratory hygiene, increase effectiveness of medications, postural drainage, breathing exercises, monitor vital signs.

Question 38

How can bronchodilators improve respiratory function?

Answer 38

By improving airway diameter and reducing resistance, thus enhancing airflow and oxygenation.

Question 39

What should be monitored during pulmonary rehabilitation?

Answer 39

Monitor vital signs, including heart rate and EKG, for any abnormalities.

Question 40

What should be done if non-cardiac symptoms such as nervousness or tremors are observed during pulmonary rehabilitation?

Answer 40

Notify the physician due to potential toxicity risk.

Question 41

What should be done to reduce the risk of oral infection after using an inhaler?

Answer 41

Gargle with mouthwash or water to reduce risk of oral infection, throat irritation, or hoarseness.