Pulmonary Medications

Question 1

Bronchioles

Answer 1

Bronchi & Bronchioles have cartilaginous outer layer, smooth muscle in middle, and innermost mucus membrane
Maintain air flow

Question 2

Alveoli

Answer 2

Single, thin membranous layer

Gas Exchange

Question 3

3 primary causes of bronchoconstriction:

Answer 3

Abnormal bronchomotor tone (bronchospasm)
Inflammation
Mechanical obstruction

Question 4

Bronchomotor Tone

Answer 4

Balance between constriction & dilations

Equal adrenergic and cholinergic influences

Question 5

cAMP:

Answer 5

inc smooth ms relaxation

Question 6

cGMP:

Answer 6

smooth ms constriction

Question 7

SABAs:

Answer 7

Work 3-5 min, last 4-6 hrs (short period of time)

Used to prevent or dec symptoms of bronchospasm

Question 8

Long-acting Bronchodilator

Answer 8

Beta-2 agonists (LABAs)
Work 3-20 min, last up to 12 hrs
“Maintenance drug”
Provide a more stable airway

Question 9

Sympatholytic / Adrenergic Antagonists

Answer 9

Alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists
Cause bronchodilation by preventing the dec of cAMP
Remember alpha receptors are vasoconstriction/bronchoconstriction
Side effects: nausea, hypotension , dizziness

Question 10

Parasympatholytic / Muscarinic Antagonists

Answer 10

Muscarinic Receptors – on the smooth ms of bronchi; a cholinergic receptor; parasympathetic innervation
Activate bronchoconstriction

Question 11

Decongestants

Answer 11

Constrict blood vessels
Treat mucosal edema & inc mucus production
“Runny nose and stuffy head” caused by vasodilation and “leaky” blood vessels
Alpha-adrenergic sympathomimetics

Question 12

Antihistamines

Answer 12

Block vasodilatory effects of histamine
Control mucus production, mucosal edema
Control irritation assoc with respiratory allergic responses, seasonal allergies
Ex: Zyrtec, Clarinex

Question 13

Antitussives

Answer 13

Suppress only an ineffective, dry hacking cough
Minor throat irritations, common cold
Block overly active receptors to increase threshold of cough center
Ex: Codeine (drug)