Respiratory Medication Flashcards
What is the generic name for Ventolin?
Salbutamol
What class of drug is Salbutamol?
Short-Acting Beta-Agonist (SABA)
What is the primary mechanism of beta-2 agonists?
Stimulates beta-2 receptors → activates cAMP → bronchodilation.
How long does Salbutamol take to start working?
5-15 minutes.
What is the duration of action for Salbutamol?
3-6 hours.
What are the common side effects of Salbutamol?
Tachycardia, tremors, hypokalemia.
What is Atrovent’s generic name?
Ipratropium Bromide.
What is the class of Atrovent?
Short-Acting Muscarinic Antagonist (SAMA)
What is Atrovent used to treat?
COPD, asthma, bronchospasm.
How does Atrovent work?
Blocks acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors → prevents bronchoconstriction.
What is the generic name for Spiriva?
Tiotropium Bromide.
What class of medication is Spiriva?
Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonist (LAMA)
What is the duration of action of Spiriva?
24 hours.
What are common side effects of muscarinic antagonists?
Dry mouth, headache, urinary retention.
What condition are LAMAs primarily used to manage?
COPD.
What is the generic name for Flovent?
Fluticasone Propionate.
What class of medication is Flovent?
Inhaled Corticosteroid (ICS)
What is the primary purpose of inhaled corticosteroids?
Reduce inflammation and prevent asthma exacerbations.
How long does it take for Flovent to take full effect?
1-2 weeks.
What is the main adverse effect of inhaled corticosteroids?
Oral thrush (candidiasis).
What is the generic name for Pulmicort?
Budesonide.
What is the purpose of Pulmicort?
Long-term asthma and COPD management.
What oral corticosteroid is often used to treat acute inflammation?
Prednisone.
What is Dexamethasone commonly used for in respiratory care?
Reducing inflammation post-asthma attack or COPD exacerbation.
Name one serious adverse effect of long-term corticosteroid use.
Osteoporosis, weight gain, or immunosuppression.
What class of medications should NOT be used for acute asthma attacks?
Corticosteroids (Flovent, Pulmicort).
What is a key patient instruction for preventing oral thrush with ICS use?
Rinse the mouth after inhaler use.
What condition requires caution when prescribing corticosteroids?
Diabetes (due to hyperglycemia risk).
What is the primary indication for oral steroids in respiratory care?
Acute exacerbations of asthma or COPD.
What is the key difference between ICS and oral steroids?
ICS has fewer systemic effects.
What are combination puffers used for?
Control persistent asthma and prevent COPD exacerbations.
What two types of medications are in combination puffers?
Corticosteroids and bronchodilators.
What is the generic name for Advair?
Fluticasone + Salmeterol.
What is the generic name for Symbicort?
Budesonide + Formoterol.
What is Combivent used for?
Preventing bronchospasm in COPD patients.
What is the purpose of adding a LABA to an ICS in combination inhalers?
To maintain long-term control of inflammation and airflow.
How does Advair help with COPD management?
Prevents flare-ups and improves airflow.
What is a major side effect of combination puffers?
Oral thrush, headache, palpitations.
Can combination inhalers be used for acute asthma attacks?
No, they are for maintenance therapy only.
What is the mechanism of action of LABAs?
Long-acting beta-2 agonists → prolonged bronchodilation.
Why should LABAs never be used alone in asthma?
Increased risk of asthma-related death.
What is the benefit of combination puffers in COPD management?
Improved lung function and symptom control.
How often are combination inhalers usually prescribed?
Twice daily.
What is a contraindication for combination puffers?
Acute asthma attacks.
Which inhaler has a combination of ipratropium and salbutamol?
Combivent.
What is the primary goal of asthma management?
Prevent exacerbations and control symptoms.
What medication is used for acute asthma attacks?
Salbutamol (Ventolin).
Which class of drugs is used for long-term asthma control?
Inhaled corticosteroids.
What is the role of epinephrine in asthma emergencies?
Treats severe bronchospasms and anaphylaxis.
What is the mechanism of action of SABAs in asthma?
Bronchodilation via beta-2 receptor stimulation.
What is a severe, prolonged asthma attack called?
Status asthmaticus.
What corticosteroid is used for acute asthma exacerbations?
Prednisone.
What is a sign that asthma control is inadequate?
Use of a rescue inhaler more than 2 times/week.
What is the role of LABAs in asthma management?
Long-term symptom control when combined with ICS.
Why should patients with asthma carry a rescue inhaler?
For immediate relief of bronchospasm.
What device helps improve medication delivery in inhalers?
Spacer.
What is the most common trigger for asthma?
Allergens and respiratory infections.
What is a key indicator of asthma severity?
Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR).
What is the purpose of an asthma action plan?
To guide patients in managing asthma exacerbations.
What is the first-line maintenance treatment for persistent asthma?
Inhaled corticosteroids.
What is the primary cause of COPD?
Smoking.
What is the hallmark symptom of COPD?
Chronic productive cough with dyspnea.
How does COPD differ from asthma?
COPD is irreversible, asthma is reversible.
What is the primary treatment goal in COPD?
Slow disease progression and relieve symptoms.
What is the first-line medication for COPD management?
Bronchodilators (SABA/LAMA).
What class of medications is often used in advanced COPD?
Combination inhalers (LABA + ICS).
What is the main function of Spiriva (Tiotropium)?
Long-term bronchodilation in COPD.
What is the role of oxygen in late-stage COPD?
To improve oxygenation and reduce hypoxia.
What is emphysema?
Destruction of alveolar walls reducing gas exchange.
What treatment improves survival in severe COPD?
Oxygen therapy.
What is the role of corticosteroids in COPD?
Reduce inflammation and exacerbations.
What is pulmonary rehabilitation used for?
Improve exercise tolerance and quality of life.
What are the key symptoms of COPD exacerbation?
Increased dyspnea, sputum production, and cough.
What is the best way to prevent COPD progression?
Smoking cessation.
What condition often coexists with COPD?
Pulmonary hypertension.
What is the primary symptom of croup?
Barking cough with stridor.
What is the common cause of croup?
Viral infection.
What is the first-line treatment for mild croup?
Humidified air and antipyretics.
What is used in severe croup to reduce airway swelling?
Nebulized epinephrine.
What steroid is used to treat croup?
Dexamethasone.
What is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia?
Streptococcus pneumoniae.
What is the key treatment for bacterial pneumonia?
Antibiotics.
What supportive therapy is given for pneumonia?
Oxygen and fluids.
How do bronchodilators help with pneumonia?
Reduce airway resistance.
What is a major complication of pneumonia?
Respiratory failure.
What is the role of mucokinetics in respiratory care?
Assist in mucus clearance.
What medication is commonly used as an expectorant?
Guaifenesin.
What medication is used to treat pulmonary edema?
Furosemide (Lasix).
What is the first-line treatment for status asthmaticus?
Epinephrine and oxygen.
What does the mnemonic AIMS stand for in asthma management?
Adrenergics, Inhaled Steroids, Muscarinic Antagonists, Systemic Steroids.
What does the mnemonic BICEPS stand for in COPD treatment?
Bronchodilators, ICS, Combination inhalers, Expectorants, Pulmonary Rehab, Smoking Cessation.
What is the purpose of decongestants in respiratory care?
Shrink swollen tissues to improve airflow.
What is a major side effect of nasal decongestant overuse?
Rebound congestion.
What is a contraindication for beta-agonists?
Cardiac arrhythmias.
Why should corticosteroids be tapered off gradually?
To prevent adrenal insufficiency.
What is the role of oxygen in respiratory distress?
Improve oxygenation and reduce hypoxia.
What is the first treatment priority in pulmonary edema?
Oxygen and diuretics.
What medication prevents premature labor by relaxing uterine muscles?
Beta-2 agonists (e.g., Salbutamol).
Why are LAMAs preferred for long-term COPD control?
Longer duration of action and improved airflow.
What is the most common side effect of inhaled corticosteroids?
Oral thrush.
What is the best medication to add for long-term management in a patient with mild persistent asthma?
Flovent
Flovent (Fluticasone) is an ICS used to control inflammation and reduce the frequency of asthma symptoms.
What medication should be added to improve symptom control in a patient with COPD using Spiriva and Ventolin frequently?
Advair
Advair (Fluticasone + Salmeterol) is a combination inhaler that can provide both anti-inflammatory effects and bronchodilation.
What is the next step for a 10-year-old girl with severe asthma who is symptomatic after using her rescue inhaler?
Nebulize with Salbutamol and Ipratropium
A combination of a SABA (Salbutamol) and a SAMA (Ipratropium) can provide enhanced bronchodilation.
What is the first-line medication for a patient with CHF and pulmonary edema presenting with severe dyspnea?
Furosemide
Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic that reduces fluid overload and improves pulmonary edema.
What is the most appropriate treatment for a patient with emphysema experiencing increased sputum production and shortness of breath?
Add Combivent for acute relief
Combivent (Salbutamol + Ipratropium) provides immediate relief by improving airflow and reducing secretions.
What is the most appropriate treatment for a 4-year-old boy with mild croup?
Humidified air and antipyretics
Mild croup is managed with humidified air and supportive care.
What medication should be considered next for a patient with moderate COPD using Spiriva and Ventolin but experiencing frequent exacerbations?
Add a combination inhaler like Advair
Combination inhalers (ICS + LABA) like Advair provide additional anti-inflammatory and bronchodilation benefits.
What is the next step in management for a 35-year-old male with asthma experiencing nocturnal symptoms despite using Flovent?
Add a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA)
Adding a LABA to ICS improves asthma control in patients with persistent symptoms.
What is the next step in management for a patient with COPD presenting with increased sputum production and dyspnea?
Oral corticosteroids and antibiotics
Acute COPD exacerbations are treated with oral corticosteroids and antibiotics when indicated.
What is the most appropriate immediate intervention for a 52-year-old male with COPD presenting with increased shortness of breath and wheezing?
Administer Salbutamol and Ipratropium (Combivent).
Combivent contains a SABA (Salbutamol) and a SAMA (Ipratropium), which will provide immediate bronchodilation and relieve acute bronchospasm.
What is the next step for a 7-year-old boy in severe respiratory distress with asthma who has been using his rescue inhaler every 2 hours without relief?
Nebulize with Salbutamol and Ipratropium.
Severe asthma exacerbations require nebulized bronchodilators to open airways.
What medication should be added to optimize treatment for a 60-year-old female with emphysema who is compliant with Spiriva?
Flovent (Fluticasone) inhaler.
Flovent (an ICS) reduces inflammation and prevents further exacerbations in COPD.
What is the most appropriate initial treatment for a 3-year-old with a barking cough, stridor, and mild respiratory distress?
Humidified air and oral fluids.
Mild croup is managed with humidified air and antipyretics.
What is the most appropriate immediate treatment for a 65-year-old male with CHF presenting with sudden onset of dyspnea and frothy pink sputum?
Administer furosemide (Lasix).
Pulmonary edema in CHF requires immediate diuresis to reduce fluid overload.
Which of the following medications is used as a rescue inhaler for acute asthma attacks?
Ventolin.
Ventolin (Salbutamol) is a SABA used for quick relief of acute bronchospasms.
Which medication is a combination of an ICS and a LABA?
Advair.
Advair (Fluticasone + Salmeterol) is a combination inhaler that provides anti-inflammatory effects and long-term bronchodilation.
What is the mechanism of action of Spiriva (Tiotropium)?
Muscarinic receptor antagonist.
Spiriva is a LAMA that blocks muscarinic receptors to prevent bronchoconstriction.
Which medication should be avoided in patients with poorly controlled diabetes due to the risk of hyperglycemia?
Prednisone.
Systemic corticosteroids (like Prednisone) can cause hyperglycemia.
Which of the following medications is classified as a SAMA?
Atrovent
Atrovent (Ipratropium) is a Short-Acting Muscarinic Antagonist (SAMA).
What is the main indication for using Flovent?
Long-term asthma management
Flovent (Fluticasone) is an inhaled corticosteroid used for long-term asthma management.
Which medication is most effective for reducing inflammation in severe asthma exacerbations?
Prednisone
Prednisone, a systemic corticosteroid, reduces inflammation during severe exacerbations.
Which of the following is a potential side effect of Atrovent?
Urinary retention
Atrovent can cause urinary retention, especially in older men with prostate issues.
Which medication is preferred for long-term management of COPD?
Spiriva
Spiriva (Tiotropium) is a LAMA used for long-term COPD management.
What is the primary use of Combivent?
COPD maintenance therapy
Combivent (Salbutamol + Ipratropium) is used for COPD maintenance.
Which medication works by stimulating beta-2 adrenergic receptors?
Ventolin
Ventolin (Salbutamol) is a beta-2 agonist that stimulates beta-2 receptors to induce bronchodilation.
Which of the following should be used in a patient with mild croup?
Humidified air
Mild croup can be managed with humidified air and supportive care.
What is the main role of mucokinetics in respiratory care?
Mucus clearance
Mucokinetics like guaifenesin help clear mucus from the airways.
Which of the following medications can cause rebound congestion if overused?
Nasal decongestants
Overuse of nasal decongestants can lead to rebound congestion.
What is the preferred treatment for pulmonary edema in CHF?
Furosemide
Furosemide (Lasix) is a diuretic that reduces pulmonary congestion in CHF.
What is the best medication to add for long-term management of a 40-year-old female with mild persistent asthma?
Flovent
Flovent (Fluticasone) is an ICS used to control inflammation and reduce the frequency of asthma symptoms.
What medication should be added to improve symptom control in a 58-year-old male with COPD who reports frequent flare-ups?
Advair
Advair (Fluticasone + Salmeterol) is a combination inhaler that can provide both anti-inflammatory effects and bronchodilation in moderate to severe COPD.
What is the next step for a 10-year-old girl with severe asthma who is symptomatic after using her rescue inhaler?
Nebulize with Salbutamol and Ipratropium
A combination of a SABA (Salbutamol) and a SAMA (Ipratropium) can provide enhanced bronchodilation during acute exacerbations.
What is the first-line medication for a 72-year-old male with CHF and pulmonary edema presenting with severe dyspnea?
Furosemide
Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic that reduces fluid overload and improves pulmonary edema.
What is the most appropriate treatment for a 55-year-old male with emphysema reporting increased sputum production?
Add Combivent for acute relief
Combivent (Salbutamol + Ipratropium) provides immediate relief by improving airflow and reducing secretions.
What is the most appropriate treatment for a 4-year-old boy with mild croup?
Humidified air and antipyretics
Mild croup is managed with humidified air and supportive care.
What medication should be considered next for a 65-year-old female with moderate COPD experiencing frequent exacerbations?
Add a combination inhaler like Advair
Combination inhalers (ICS + LABA) like Advair provide additional anti-inflammatory and bronchodilation benefits.
What is the next step in management for a 35-year-old male with asthma experiencing nocturnal symptoms?
Add a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA)
Adding a LABA to ICS improves asthma control in patients with persistent symptoms.
What is the next step in management for a 56-year-old male with COPD presenting with increased sputum production?
Oral corticosteroids and antibiotics
Acute COPD exacerbations are treated with oral corticosteroids and antibiotics when indicated.
What medication should be added to reduce future exacerbations in a 70-year-old female with chronic productive cough?
Symbicort
Symbicort (ICS + LABA) reduces exacerbations and improves lung function in COPD patients.
What is the main adverse effect of prolonged corticosteroid use?
Osteoporosis
Long-term corticosteroid use increases the risk of osteoporosis.
Which inhaler is most appropriate for long-term maintenance in COPD?
Spiriva
Spiriva (Tiotropium) is a LAMA used for long-term COPD control.
Which medication is commonly used to reduce airway inflammation in asthma?
Flovent
Flovent (Fluticasone) is an ICS that controls inflammation.
What is the mechanism of action of beta-2 agonists?
Stimulates cAMP to relax bronchial smooth muscles
Beta-2 agonists stimulate cAMP, leading to bronchodilation.
Which medication should be avoided in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma?
Atrovent
Atrovent (Ipratropium) can exacerbate narrow-angle glaucoma.
Which medication is most effective in managing severe croup?
Nebulized epinephrine
Nebulized epinephrine reduces airway swelling in severe croup.
Which medication is best for preventing asthma exacerbations in moderate persistent asthma?
Flovent
Flovent (Fluticasone) is an ICS that controls inflammation and prevents asthma exacerbations.
What is a potential side effect of Spiriva?
Dry mouth
Spiriva (Tiotropium) can cause dry mouth.
Which medication can reduce mucus viscosity and help clear secretions?
Guaifenesin
Guaifenesin is an expectorant that reduces mucus viscosity.
Which combination inhaler contains both a bronchodilator and an inhaled corticosteroid?
Symbicort
Symbicort (Budesonide + Formoterol) is a combination inhaler with a LABA and ICS.
