Pulmonary Pharmacology

Question 1

Antihistamines: action

Answer 1

Block effects of histamine, causing decrease in

• nasal congestion
• mucosal irritation
• common cold sx
• sinusitis
• conjunctivitis
• allergies

Question 2

Antihistamines: PT implications

Answer 2

Risk of orthostatic hypotension

Question 3

Anti-inflammatory agents: action

Answer 3

Prevent inflammatory-mediated bronchoconstriction by

• inhibiting production of inflammatory cells
• suppressing release of inflammatory mediators
• reversing capillary permeability

**reduce airway edema

Question 4

Anti-inflammatory agents: systemic side effects are decreased in with this form

Answer 4

Decreased with inhaled form of corticosteroid

Question 5

Anti-inflammatory agents: PT implications

Answer 5

Advise pt that these are not bronchodilators and should not be used to treat acute asthma episodes

Question 6

Bronchodilators: action

Answer 6

Relieve bronchospasm

Question 7

How do bronchodilators relieve bronchospasm?

Answer 7

Stimulate smooth muscle relaxation

Block receptors that trigger bronchoconstriction

Question 8

Bronchodilators: PT implications

Answer 8

• Advise pt to take bronchodilator meds as prescribed before therapy
• Monitor for s/s of toxicity

Question 9

Bronchodilators: s/s toxicity

Answer 9

Cardiac or vision abnormalities

Question 10

Expectorant agents: action

Answer 10

• Increase respiratory secretions, which help to loosen mucus
• Improves efficiency of cough reflex

Question 11

Expectorants and mucolytics: PT implications

Answer 11

Perform airway clearance interventions within 1 hour after drug administration

Question 12

Mucolytics: action

Answer 12

Decrease viscosity of mucus secretions

Question 13

How are mucolytics administered?

Answer 13

Nebulizer