Respiratory problems Flashcards
Bronchodilators
- Beta 2 agonists
- Cholinergic antagonists (anticholinergics): ipratropium (Atrovent)
- Methylxanthines: theophylline (Theo-Dur)
Albuterol (Proventil)
short-acting beta 2 agonist (SABA) : rapid but short-term relief; causes bronchodilation by relaxing bronchiolar smooth muscles .
Inhaler
Albuterol : use
primary - fast acting rescue drug to be used either during an asthma attack or just before engaging in activity that usually triggers an attack
Albuterol: nursing interventions
- carry at all times;
- monitor HR: can cause tachycardia
- use 5 min before the other inhaled drug
Anti-Inflammatory Agents
- Corticosteroids
- NSAIDs
- Leukotriene antagonist
- Immunomodulator
Fluticasone (Flovent)
inhaled corticosteroid; disrupts all known production pathways of inflammatory mediators.
MDI or DPI inhalers
Flovent : use
The main purpose is to prevent an asthma attack caused by inflammation or allergies.
Flovent: nursing interventions
- Use daily , even if no symptoms are present
- Perform good mouth care and check mouth daily for lesions or drainage (drug reduced local immunity - risk for local infection - Candida albicans - yeast)
- not to use with onset of asthma symptoms ( drug has slow onset of action and does not relieve symptoms)
Prednisone ( Deltasone)
oral corticosteroid; not recommended unless asthma symptoms cannot be controlled with any other therapy; rescue drug .
Prednisone side effects:
- GI ulceration
- fat redistribution
- weight gain
- hyperglycemia
Prednisone: nursing interventions
- avoid anyone who has upper respiratory infection (drug reduces all protective inflammatory responses)
- avoid activities that lead to injury ( blood vessels become more fragile , leading to bruising and petenchie)
- take drug with food ( to reduce the risk for GI ulceration)
- do not suddenly stop taking the drug ( if vomiting - receive the drug parenterally) - drug suppresses adrenal production of corticosteroids.
Ipratropium (Atrovent)
cholinergic antagonist : both rescue and prevent asthma; used in place of SABA by patients who cannot tolerate side effects of beta 2 agonists: tachycardia, nausea, nervousness.
Mouth dryness - drink 4 L of fluid daily
Asthma and exercise
regular exercise (aerobic ) recommended: assist in maintaining cardiac health, enhancing skeletal muscle strength and promoting ventilation and perfusion.
Asthma and oxygen therapy
delivered by mask, NC, or endotracheal tube;
Heliox ( 50 % helium + 50 % of oxygen) can help improve oxygen delivery to the alveoli.
Status Asthmaticus
severe, life-threatening acute episode of airway obstruction that intensifies once it begins.
S/S: extremely labored breathing and wheezing - if not reversed - pneumothorax and cardiac or respiratory arrest !!!
TX: IV fluids, systemic bronchodilators, steroids ( decrease inflammation), epinephrine, oxygen.
Asthma S/s:
- Dyspnea (SOB)
- Chest tightness
3, Coughing - Wheezing
- Increased mucus production
- Use of accessory muscles (muscle retraction)
- Possible barrel chest
- Cyanosis of oral mucosa and nail beds
FVC
forced vital capacity : volume of air exhaled from full inhalation to full exhalation.
FEV1
forced expiratory volume in the first second
PEF
peak expiratory flow : fastest airflow rate reached at any time during exhalation
Asthma - inflammation
obstructs lumen (inside) ;can be caused by allergens attaching to antibodies which are
attached to mast cells and basophils (WBC)
-can also be cause by general inflammatory triggers not related to allergic responses.
Inflammation triggers:
cold air dry air fine airborne particles microorganisms aspirin (increase in leukotrienes)
Asthma - airway hyperresponsiveness
twitchy airways; obstructs airways ( outside) constricting bronchial muscles
Airway hyperresponsiveness triggers
exercise
upper respiratory illness
inflammation
unknown
Asthma labs:
- ABGs : decrease in PaO2
early : decrease in PaCO2 ( increase in RR)
later: increase in PaCO2 (poor gas exchange; CO2 retention) - Allergic asthma: increase in serum eosinophil count
increase in IgE levels (immunoglobulin E) - PFT: pulmonary function test
The Step System
- 1 – Mild Intermittent
- 2 – Mild Persistent
- 3 – Moderate Persistent
- 4 – Severe Persistent
- 5 – Severe Persistent Not Responsive to Previous Step
- 6 – Severe Persistent Not Responsive to Previous Step
Asthma : Goal
increase symptom-free periods, less hospital stays
Asthma: patient education
• Avoid environmental triggers
• Avoid trigger meds (ASA, NSAID’s, beta-blockers)
• Proper use and compliance with medications and metered dose inhalers (teach
patient to always carry the rescue drug inhaler with them)
• Monitor peak expiratory flow rates with a peak flow meter at least twice daily
• When to seek emergency care