Respiratory Tract Flashcards
are medications used to facilitate respiration by dilating the airways.
* They are helpful in symptomatic relief or prevention of bronchial asthna and for bronchospasm associated with COPD.
Bronchodilators or antiasthmatics
characterized by reversible bronchospasm, inflammation, and hyperactive airways.
- The hyperactivity is triggered by allergens or nonallergic inhaled irritants, or by factors such as exercise and emotions.
- The trigger causes an immediate release of histamine, which results in bronchospasm in about 10 minutes.
- The later response (3-5 hours) is cytokine-mediated inflammation, mucus production, and edema contributing to obstruction
Asthma
The extreme case of asthma is called status ___ ; this is life-threatening bronchospasm that does not respond to usual treatment and occludes airflow into the lungs.
asthmaticus
A theory suggests this meds work by directly affecting the mobilization of calcium
Result to “smooth muscle relaxation”, which increases the vital capacity that has been impaired by the bronchospasm or air trapping.
Xanthines
- Indications
- Relief of symptoms or prevention of bronchial asthma.
- Reversal of bronchospasm associated with COPD
Xanthines
bronchodilator common side effects: tachycardia (objective, palpitations (subjective)
bronchodilator common side effects: tachycardia (objective, palpitations (subjective)
___ are drugs that mimic the effects of the sympathetic nervous system.
* One of the actions of the sympathetic nervous system is dilation of the bronchi with increased rate and depth of respiration. (Beta 2)
- specific to the beta-receptors found in bronchi
Other systemic effects include increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, vasoconstriction, and decreased renal and GI blood flow- all actions of the sympathetic nervous system.
Sympathomimetics
_____, the prototype drug, is the drug of choice for adults and chiidren for the treatment of acute bronchospasm, including that caused by anaphylaxis; it is also available for inhalation. → first line of treatment Indications
Epinephrine
- Long-term maintenance treatment of bronchoconstriction in COPD.
- Treatment of acute bronchospasm in adults and children, although epinephrine is the drug of choice.
- Treatment and prophylaxis of acute asthma attacks in children more than 6 years old.
Sympathomimetics
Sympathomimetics
Adverse Effects
* CNS: Headache, restlessness.
* Cardiovascular: Palpitation, tachycardia.
* Skin: Pallor, local burning and stinging.
Sympathomimetics
Adverse Effects
* CNS: Headache, restlessness.
* Cardiovascular: Palpitation, tachycardia.
* Skin: Pallor, local burning and stinging.
Patients who cannot tolerate the sympathetic effects of sympathomimetics might respond to the drug ex: ipratropium (Atrovent) and tiotropium: (Spiriva).
These drugs are not as effective as the sympathomimetics but can provide some relief to those patients who cannot tolerate the other drugs.
- used as bronchodilators because of their effect on the vagus nerve, which sis to block or antagonize the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at vagal-mediated receptor sites.
- By blocking the vagal effect, relaxation of smooth muscle in the bronchi occurs, leading to bronchodilation
Anti-cholinergics
Anti-cholinergics
- Adverse Effects
- CNS: Dizziness, headache.
- GI: Nausea, gastrointestinal distress.
- Cardiovascular: Palpitations.
- Respiratory: Cough.
Anti-cholinergics
- Adverse Effects
- CNS: Dizziness, headache.
- GI: Nausea, gastrointestinal distress.
- Cardiovascular: Palpitations.
- Respiratory: Cough.
___ are used to decrease the inflammatory response in the airway.
Increase airflow and facilitate respiration.
Inhaling the steroid tends to decrease the numerous systemic effects that are associated with steroid use.
Inhaled Steroids
oral steroid can increase hydrochloric production
oral steroid can increase hydrochloric production
Nursing Considerations (Inhaled Steroids)
- Not for immediate relief. Do not administer inhaled steroids to treat an acute asthma attack or status asthmaticus because these drugs are not intended for the treatment of acute attack and will not provide the immediate reliet needed.
-Proper tapering of steroids. Taper systemic steroids carefully during the transfer to inhaled steroids; deaths have occurred from adrenaline insufficiency with sudden withdrawal.
- Use decongestant drops. Have the patient use decongestant drops before hormoned using the inhaled steroid to facilitate penetration of the drug if nasal congestion is a problem.
- Oral care. Have the patient rinse the mouth after using the inhaler because this will help to decrease systemic absorption and decrease GI upset and nausea.
Nursing Considerations (Inhaled Steroids)
- Not for immediate relief. Do not administer inhaled steroids to treat an acute asthma attack or status asthmaticus because these drugs are not intended for the treatment of acute attack and will not provide the immediate reliet needed.
-Proper tapering of steroids. Taper systemic steroids carefully during the transfer to inhaled steroids; deaths have occurred from adrenaline insufficiency with sudden withdrawal.
- Use decongestant drops. Have the patient use decongestant drops before hormoned using the inhaled steroid to facilitate penetration of the drug if nasal congestion is a problem.
- Oral care. Have the patient rinse the mouth after using the inhaler because this will help to decrease systemic absorption and decrease GI upset and nausea.