Respiratory Tract Drugs: Asthma and COPD - Ch. 79 Flashcards
What is bronchial asthma?
Recurrent and reversible shortness of breath tyhat occurs when airways narrow
What causes the airways to narrow during bronchial asthma?
Bronchospams
Inflammation of the bronchial mucosa
-edema
What is the name for a prolonged asthma attack?
Status asthmaticus
What is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
-Chronic bronchitis and emphysema
Obstruction always there but can vary in severity
What occurs during COPD?
Continuous inflammation of the bronchi and bronchioles
What are some respiratory tract drugs?
Bronchodilators
Anti-inflammatory drugs
What are the kinds of Bronchodilators?
Ξ²2-adrenergic agonists
Anticholinergics
Xanthine derivatives
Example of a Ξ²2-adrenergic agonist?
Salbutamol (Ventalin or Albuteral)
Example of an Anticholinergic?
Ipratropium bromide (Atrovent)
Example of a Xanthine derivative?
Theophylline/Aminophylline
What are the kinds of respiratory tract anti-inflammatory drugs?
GLucocorticoids
Leukotriene modifiers
Examples of glucocorticoids?
Budesonide (Pulmicort)
Fluticasone (Flovent)
combination therapy (Advair diskus)
Example of a Leukotriene modifier?
Montelukast (singulair)
What are Ξ²-adrenergic agonist bronchodilators?
Sympathomimetic bronchodilators
-Stimulate bronchial smooth muscle Ξ²2-adrenergic receptors
What are the kinds of Ξ²-adrenergic agonist bronchodilators?
Short-acting B agonists (SABA)
Long-acting B agonists (LABA)
Selective Ξ²2 drugs do what?
Activate airway smooth muscle Ξ²2 adrenergic receptors
Example of a SABA bronchodilator?
Salbutamol
Examples of LABA bronchodilator?
Salmeterol
Formoterol
Ξ²-agonist bronchodilator mechanism of action?
Dilate airways by activating smooth muscle Ξ²2-receptors
What happens when Ξ²-agonists activate smooth muscle Ξ²2-receptors?
Smooth muscle relaxes in airways and causes bronchial dilation which increases airflow
What are Ξ²-agonists used for?
Relief of bronchospasm related to asthma, COPD, and other pulmonary diseases
Why is Ξ²-agonist treatment used?
Acute attacks
-Quickly reduces airway constriction
Prevents attacks -chronic management
What adverse effects are common to all Ξ²-agonists?
Cardiac stimulation - tachycardia
Tremors
Restlessness, insomnia (CNS stimulation)
Salbutamol Ξ²-agonists adverse effects?
Ξ²2 receptor effects e.g, muscle tremor, CNS (anxiety, nausea)
Decrease receptor selectivity - stimulates Ξ²1-adrenergic receptors in heart
-increased HR, palpitations, chest pains, angina
Salbutamol adverse effects are caused by what?
If inhaled form is used too frequently
More likely with oral preparations
What should the nurse encourage when a client is using Ξ²-agonist bronchodilators?
Measures that promote good state of health
e.g, Quit smoking, avoid exposure to allergens, stress, pollutants
Adequate fluid intake
What therapeutic effects should the nurse monitor for when Ξ²-agonist bronchodilators are being used?
Decreased dyspnea
Decreased wheezing, restlessness and anxiety
Improved respiratory patterns with return to normal rate and quality
Improved activity tolerance
What is the mechanism of action of anticholinergic bronchodilators?
Block the action of ACh. Muscle relaxes, airways open
What do anticholergics prevent?
Bronchoconstriction if fixed, scheduled use
-Helps with COPD