Respiratory

Question 1

Dextromethorphan (PO)

Answer 1

Indication: Coughs caused by upper respiratory infections, Chronic non-productive coughs

Contraindications: Hypersensitivity, chronic productive coughs, patients taking MAO inhibitors or SSRI’s

Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting

Adverse Reactions: Stomach pain, sedation

Nursing Considerations: Monitor cough type and frequency, monitor for symptom improvement

Patient Teachings: Take drug exactly as prescribed and don’t exceed recommended amount, contact HCP if cough last longer than 1 week

Question 2

Guaifenesin (PO)

Answer 2

Indication: Coughs caused by upper respiratory infections

Contraindications: Hypersensitivity, Intolerance to alcohol

Side Effects: Drowsiness, Dizziness

Adverse Reactions: Urticaria, Stomach pain

Nursing Considerations: Monitor cough type and frequency

Patient Teachings: Educate to cough effectively (mobilize mucus out of respiratory tract), May cause drowsiness (avoid driving)

Question 3

Albuterol (INH)

Answer 3

Indication: Asthma, COPD, Prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm

Contraindications: Hypersensitivity

Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting

Adverse Reactions: Wheezing, Chest pain, Palpitations, arrhythmias

Nursing Considerations: Observe for wheezing (withhold and notify HCP if this occurs), Assess lung sounds/pulse/BP before and during peak of therapy

Patient Teachings: Take exactly as directed, Contact HCP if shortness of breath is not relieved , Inform patient of potential bad taste, Avoid smoking and other respiratory irritants

Question 4

Fluticasone propionate (INH)

Answer 4

Indication: Chronic asthma

Contraindications: Hypersensitivity

Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting

Adverse Reactions: Conjunctivitis, Epistaxis, Pharyngitis, Laryngitis

Nursing Considerations: Observe for S/S of system corticosteroid effects, monitor patient during period of stress or severe asthma attack

Patient Teachings: Take exactly as prescribed, Contact HCP if medication does not improve asthma episodes, Report all adverse reactions

Question 5

Ipratropium (INH)

Answer 5

Indication: Reversible airway obstruction due to COPD and asthma

Contraindications: Hypersensitivity, Avoid during acute bronchospasm

Side Effects: Dizziness, dry mouth

Adverse Reactions: Blurred vision, hypotension, epistaxis

Nursing Considerations: Assess respiratory status before administering and during peak of therapy

Patient Teachings: Instruct patient of proper inhaler use and take as directed, Rinse mouth after use, Do not exceed 12 doses in 24 hours