Pulmonary Pharmacology

Question 1

Antihistamine Agent: Action & Side Effects

Answer 1

A: block effects of histamine- results in decreased nasal congestion, mucosal irritation, symptoms of common cold/ sinusitis/ conjunctivitis/ allergies

S/E: arrhythmias, postural hypotension, gastrointestinal distress, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, blurred vision, fatigue, nausea, thickening of bronchial secretions

Question 2

Antihistamine Agent: Indications

Answer 2

respiratory seasonal allergies, rhinitis & sneezing from common cold, allergic conjunctivitis, motion sickness, Parkinson’s disease

Question 3

Antihistamine Agent: PT Implications

Answer 3

increase guarding when rising from sit/ lying due to risk of orthostatic hypotension
closely monitor pt during exercise

Question 4

Antihistamine Agent: Examples

Answer 4

Benadryl, allegra, claritin

Question 5

Anti-Inflammatory Agents: Action

Answer 5

prevent inflammatory-mediated broncho-constriction by inhibiting production of inflammatory cells, suppressing release of inflammatory mediators & reversing capillary permeability- this reduces airway edema

Question 6

Anti-Inflammatory Agents: Side Effects

Answer 6

inhaled corticosteroids = damage of supporting tissues, skin breakdown, osteoporosis/ decreased bone density, glaucoma, delayed growth
local effects: nasal irritation, dryness, sneezing, bloody mucus
Leukotriene modifiers: liver dysfunction
Mast cell stabilizers: bronchospasm, throat/ nasal irritation, cough, gastrointestinal distress

Question 7

Anti-Inflammatory Agents: Indications

Answer 7

bronchospasm, asthma

Question 8

Anti-Inflammatory Agents: PT Implications

Answer 8

instruct pt in correct use of inhaler & to rinse mouth w/water after use to avoid mucosal irritation
advise: these are NOT bronchodilators and should not be used to treat acute episodes of asthma
pt should contact physician if experiencing S/S of liver dysfunction

Question 9

Anti-Inflammatory Agents: Examples

Answer 9

Pulmicort, AeroBid, Cromolyn Sodium

Question 10

Bronchodilator Agents: Action & Side Effects

Answer 10

A: relieve bronchospasm by stimulating muscle receptors that cause smooth muscle relaxation/ blocking receptors that trigger constriction

S/E: bronchospasm, dry mouth, gastrointestinal distress, chest pain, palpations, tremor, nervousness

Question 11

Bronchodilator Agents: Indications

Answer 11

bronchospasm, wheezing, shortness of breath in asthma or COPD

Question 12

Bronchodilator Agents: PT implications

Answer 12

advise pts to take meds before therapy & to bring short-acting rescue meds (sympathomimedics)
Cardiac/vision abnormalities may indicate toxicity & physician should be notified immediately

Question 13

Bronchodilator Agents: Examples

Answer 13

Atrovent, Albuterol, Severent

Question 14

Expectorant Agents: Action & Side Effects

Answer 14

A: increase respiratory secretion which helps loosen mucus by reducing viscosity of secretions

S/E: gastrointestinal distress, drownsiness

Question 15

Expectorant Agents: Indications

Answer 15

cough associated with respiratory tract infections & related conditions (sinusitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, asthma) when complicated by tenacious mucus/ mucus pugs & congestion

Question 16

Expectorant Agents: PT implications

Answer 16

therapists can exploit of expectorant agents by perform airway clearance interventions within 1 hour of drug administration
therapists should encourage pt to take meds w/ water

Question 17

Expectorant Agents: Examples

Answer 17

Mucinex, Guaifenesin, Terpin Hydrate

Question 18

Mucolytic Agents: Action & Side Effects

Answer 18

A: decrease viscosity of mucus secretions making them easier to expectorate by altering composition/ consistency
administered via nebulizer

S/E: pharyngitis, oral mucosa inflammation, rhinitis, chest pain

Question 19

Mucolytic Agents: Indications

Answer 19

viscous mucus secretions due to pnuemonia, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis

Question 20

Mucolytic Agents: PT Implications

Answer 20

therapists cane exploit effects of meds by performing airway clearance interventions w/in 1 hr of administration
pts should be instructed in proper use/ maintenance of nebulizer & compressor system used in med delivery

Question 21

Mucolytic Agents: Examples

Answer 21

Pulmozyme, Mucomyst