Respiratory

Question 1

Albuterol (BETA 2 ADRENERGIC AGONISTS)

Answer 1

SABA
“A” part of AIM
S/S: tachycardia, tremors, agitation
Monitor for SOB and chest pain

Question 2

Ipratropium (INHALED ANTICHOLINERGIC)

Answer 2

“I” part of AIM
Anticholinergic drug
Increase fiber and fluids

Question 3

Theophylline (METHYLXANTHINE)

Answer 3

Relaxes smooth muscles
5-15mcg/mL therapeutic range
GI distress & restlessness which lead to seizures and dysrhythmias
AVOID CAFFEINE

Question 4

How to manage theophylline toxicity

Answer 4

Activated charcoal
IV lidocaine or lorazepam

Question 5

Methylprednisolone (GLUCOCORTICOID/STEROIDS)

Answer 5

*Not a rescue medication
Avoid using long-term, make sure to taper the dose
If over 7-10 day use, make sure to alternate days
Monitor for hyperglycemia and GI bleeds
Avoid NSAIDS

Question 6

Cromolyn (MAST CELL STABILIZER)

Answer 6

Take on a schedule, not PRN
May take several weeks to see results
Immunosuppressant and anticholinergic
Take 1 hour before exercising

Question 7

Montelukast (LEUKOTRIENE MODIFIER)

Answer 7

Take only once within 24hrs and 2 hrs before exercise
Watch for liver damage - no alcohol
Suppresses leukotrienes which leads to a reduction of inflammation and bronchoconstriction

Question 8

Diphenhydramine, promethazine (SEDATING ANTIHISTAMINES)

Answer 8

IV administration needs to be diluted and pushed slowly
Only given in a large vein - can cause gangrene on fingers if given in small vein
S/S: anticholinergic, anxiety (if given too fast), and sedation

Question 9

Cetirizine, loratadine (NON SEDATING ANTIHISTAMINES)

Answer 9

Doesn’t cross BBB
S/S: anticholinergic effects

Question 10

phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine (SYMPATHOMIMETIC)

Answer 10

Tx: common cold – vasoconstriction in nasal passageway
S/S: HTN, tachycardia
Avoid with other vasoconstriction medication
Don’t give with CAD or angina

Question 11

Codeine with dextromethorphan (ANTITUSSIVE)

Answer 11

Action: suppression of cough reflex
Don’t take with other CNS depressants
Limit usage
S/S: respiratory depression
Antidote: naloxone

Question 12

guaifenesin (EXPECTORANT)

Answer 12

Action: reduction of surface area of secretions and mucus = easier to drain secretions
S/S: GI upset, dizziness, drowsiness
Found in many OTC drugs, don’t combine with these

Question 13

Acetlycysteine (MUCOLYTIC)

Answer 13

Breaks down protein to reduce thickness
May make pt nauseous
Bad egg smell
Flush with saline or change IV when giving other medication – will ruin other drugs