Respiratory Meds Flashcards
Review all the important respiratory meds: classifications, indications, side effects, adverse reactions, and nursing considerations.
Indication:
Short-acting bronchodilator
(rescue inhaler)
To treat acute asthma attack or acute COPD exacerbation.
Generic names:
Short-acting bronchodilator
(rescue inhaler)
albuterol, levalbuterol
Most common side effects and nursing considerations:
Short-acting bronchodilator
(rescue inhaler)
Can cause tremors and tachycardia:
- teach client that these symptoms will subside
- avoid caffeine
Indication:
Long-acting bronchodilator
(maintenance inhaler)
To treat chronic asthma or COPD.
Generic names:
Long-acting bronchodilator
(maintenance inhaler)
- ipratropium, tiotropium
- formoterol
Side effects and nursing considerations:
Long-acting bronchodilator
(maintenance inhaler)
Anticholinergic side effects (use caution if taking other anticholinergic meds):
- causes blurry vision - implement safety / fall precautions
- causes urinary retention - monitor intake and output
- causes dry mouth - give candy or ice chips
- causes constipation - encourage fluids/fiber/walking
“can’t see, can’t pee, can’t spit, can’t shit”
What are the steps to using an inhaler?
- Use the bronchodilator first, then the steroid
- remove cap and hold inhaler upright
- shake inhaler
- tilt head back and breathe out
- press down on inhaler to release medicine
- breathe in slowly for 3-5 seconds
- hold breath for 10 seconds
- wait 1 minute in between puffs
Click HERE for a video on inhaler use.
Indication:
Steroid inhalers
To decrease inflammation in the lungs.
Generic names:
Steroid inhalers
- beclomethasone, fluticasone, mometasone, triamcinolone
- budesonide
Generic names:
Combination bronchodilator and steroid inhalers
- albuterol/ipratropium
- budesonide/formoterol
- fluticasone/salmeterol
Indication:
Antiallergy drugs
To treat seasonal allergies or itching.
Generic names:
Antiallergy drugs
- diphenhydramine
- hydroxyzine
- loratadine
- cetirizine, levocetirizine
Side effects and nursing considerations:
Antiallergy drugs
Anticholinergic side effects (use caution if taking other anticholinergic meds):
- causes blurry vision - implement safety / fall precautions
- causes urinary retention - monitor intake and output
- causes dry mouth - give candy or ice chips
- causes constipation - encourage fluids/fiber/walking
“can’t see, can’t pee, can’t spit, can’t shit”
Complete the sentence:
_______ and ______ is a common side effect of antiallergy drugs.
Sedation and dizziness
Implement safety and fall precautions.
Generic names:
Antituberculosis drugs
- isoniazid
- rifampin
Most common side effects and nursing considerations:
Antituberculosis drugs
- nephrotoxic - check BUN, creatinine and urine output
- ototoxic - check hearing and balance
- hepatotoxic - check ALT and AST
Hold med and notify HCP if findings are abnormal.
Food-med interaction:
Antituberculosis drugs
Avoid foods with tyramine in clients taking TB drugs. Avoid “aged foods” such as:
- aged cheese and meats
- smoked and processed meats like sausage
- soy sauce
- beer and wine
Taking together can cause cardiovascular changes such as flushing, changes in BP and HR and chills.
What color do secretions turn when a client is on rifampin?
reddish-orange
Inform the client that is not harmful, but can stain clothing.
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