Respiratory Medications

Question 1

Define “Apnoea”

Answer 1

Absence of spontaneous breathing

Question 2

Define “Dyspnoea”

Answer 2

Difficult or painful breathing

Question 3

Define “Tachypnoea”

Answer 3

Very rapid respirations

Question 4

Define “Hyperventilation”

Answer 4

Rapid, shallow breathing

Question 5

List the 5 Classes of Respiratory Medications.

Answer 5

1. Bronchodilators
2. Methylxanthines
3. Corticosteroids
4. Antibiotics
5. Oxygen therapy

Question 6

What are the 2 Types of Bronchodilators?, What do they do?, and provide an example for each.

Answer 6

1. Beta 2 agonists (stimulate beta 2 adrenergic receptors on bronchial smooth muscles - salbutamol)
2. Anti-cholinergic agents (blocks muscarinic receptors assoc. w/ PS stimulation - ipratropium)

Question 7

What is the MOA of Salbutamol? Is it short or long-acting? And List 3 Side Effects and 2 Nursing Considerations.

Answer 7

MOA: stimulates beta 2 adrenergic receptors, causing bronchodilation
It is short-acting (4 hrs)
SE: tachycardia, palpitations and hypotension
NC: educate patient and monitor blood serum levels

Question 8

What is the MOA of Ipratropium? And List 3 Side Effects and 1 Nursing Considerations.

Answer 8

MOA: inhibits muscarinic receptors in lungs, associated with PS stimulation
SE: dry mouth, pupil dilation and urinary retention
NC: educate patient

Question 9

List 2 Examples of Methylxanthines.

Answer 9

1. Aminophylline
2. Theophylline

Question 10

What is the MOA, Side Effects and Nursing Considerations of Methylxanthines?

Answer 10

MOA: direct relaxant of bronchial airways and pulmonary blood vessels - does not rely on stimulating/inhibiting receptors
SE: insomnia, tachycardia, vomiting
NC: injection to be given slow and use with caution in people with CVD, monitor blood serum levels

Question 11

List 2 Examples of Corticosteroids-Bronchodilators.

Answer 11

1. Budesonide w/ Formoterol
2. Fluticasone w/ Salmeterol

Question 12

What is the MOA, Side Effects, Adverse Effects and Nursing Considerations of Corticosteroids-Bronchodilators?

Answer 12

MOA: inhibits activation of inflammatory cells -> increasing anti-inflammatory mediators
SE: hoarse voice, hyperglycemia, hyperkalemia
AE: peptic ulcers, OP, myopathy
NC: rinse mouth after use, monitor lung function

Question 13

List 3 Examples of First Generation Histamines, and their MOA.

Answer 13

1. Dexochlorpheniramine
2. Promethazine
3. Doxylamine
   MOA: inhibits histamine at H1 receptors, slighlt sedative

Question 14

List 3 Examples of Second Generation Histamines, and their MOA.

Answer 14

1. Cetrizine
2. Loratadine
3. Fexofenadine
   MOA: inhibits histamine at H1 receptors, more sedative

Question 15

List 4 Examples of Corticosteroids.

Answer 15

1. Prednisolone
2. Prednisone
3. Dexamethasone
4. Hydrocortisone

Question 16

What is the MOA and Nursing Considerations for Prednisolone?

Answer 16

MOA: decreases inflammation via suppression of the migration of leukocytes and reversing increased capillary permeability
NC: avoid breastfeeding for 4 hrs after

Question 17

What is the MOA and Nursing Considerations for Prednisone?

Answer 17

MOA: decreases inflammation via suppression of the migration of leukocytes and reversing increased capillary permeability
NC: avoid exposure to infection, monitor K+ levels

Question 18

What is the MOA and Nursing Considerations for Dexamethasone?

Answer 18

MOA: suppressing migration of neutrophils and decreasing lymphocyte proliferation
NC: avoid exposure to infection, monitor for adverse effects, monitor BP

Question 19

What is the MOA and Nursing Considerations for Hydrocortisone?

Answer 19

MOA: inhibits accumulation of inflammatory cells at site
NC: monitor for allergic reaction, take with food, monitor liver function