Week 10

Question 1

What is the upper respiratory tract (URT)?

Answer 1

The URT extends from the nose to the upper bronchial tree

Question 2

What receptors are highly sensitive to irritation in the tracheal walls and bronchi?

Answer 2

Irritation receptors.

Question 3

What reflex is activated by the stimulation of irritation receptors in the URT?

Answer 3

The cough reflex.

Question 4

Name the main classes of upper respiratory tract drugs.

Answer 4

Antihistamines, nasal decongestants, antitussives, expectorants, and inhaled epinephrine.

Question 5

What are the two generations of antihistamines?

Answer 5

First generation and second generation.

Question 6

What is the primary role of histamine in allergic reactions?

Answer 6

Histamine mediates allergic reactions and inflammatory responses.

Question 7

From which cells is histamine primarily released?

Answer 7

Mast cells and basophils.

Question 8

What are H1 receptors responsible for?

Answer 8

Mediating smooth muscle contraction and dilation of capillaries in the respiratory tract.

Question 9

What are the effects of H2 receptors?

Answer 9

They mediate heart actions and gastric acid secretion.

Question 10

Name a first-generation antihistamine.

Answer 10

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®).

Question 11

Name a second-generation antihistamine

Answer 11

Fexofenadine hydrochloride (Allegra®).

Question 12

What is the main action of antihistamines?

Answer 12

They block the action of histamine.

Question 13

Why do first-generation antihistamines cause sedation?

Answer 13

They cross the blood-brain barrier.

Question 14

What is a common use for first-generation antihistamines?

Answer 14

Treating allergic reactions.

Question 15

What is the onset time for oral diphenhydramine?

Answer 15

5-30 minutes.

Question 16

What is the duration of action for diphenhydramine?

Answer 16

Approximately 4 hours.

Question 17

What are common adverse effects of first-generation antihistamines?

Answer 17

Sedation, dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision.

Question 18

Who should use first-generation antihistamines with caution?

Answer 18

Nursing mothers, patients with CNS depression, and those with glaucoma.

Question 19

What is the mechanism of action for nasal decongestants?

Answer 19

They block blood flow to the nasal mucosa and decrease secretions.

Question 20

Name a common nasal decongestant.

Answer 20

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®).

Question 21

What are antitussives used for?

Answer 21

To suppress cough.

Question 22

What is the mechanism of action for narcotic antitussives?

Answer 22

They work on the CNS to suppress cough by acting on the medulla oblongata.

Question 23

What is a common non-narcotic antitussive?

Answer 23

Dextromethorphan.

Question 24

What is the role of expectorants?

Answer 24

To help loosen and expel mucus from the respiratory tract.

Question 25

What is a common expectorant?

Answer 25

Guaifenesin.

Question 26

What is the primary use of inhaled epinephrine?

Answer 26

To treat croup and tracheitis.

Question 27

What type of adrenergic drug is epinephrine?

Answer 27

A non-selective beta-adrenergic agonist.

Question 28

How quickly does inhaled epinephrine work?

Answer 28

Within 5 minutes.

Question 29

What are common adverse effects of epinephrine?

Answer 29

Nausea, dizziness, tachycardia, and hypotension

Question 30

What should be monitored when administering nasal decongestants?

Answer 30

Blood pressure and heart rate.

Question 31

What is the primary action of first-generation antihistamines on the respiratory tract?

Answer 31

Bronchodilation and drying out of mucus.

Question 32

What is the effect of second-generation antihistamines on sedation?

Answer 32

They have little to no sedative effects.

Question 33

What is a common side effect of second-generation antihistamines?

Answer 33

Headache and dry mouth.

Question 34

What should patients be advised to avoid while taking first-generation antihistamines?

Answer 34

Alcohol and driving

Question 35

What is the recommended administration method for antihistamines?

Answer 35

On an empty stomach, unless gastrointestinal upset occurs.

Question 36

What is the role of epinephrine in anaphylaxis?

Answer 36

It is administered intramuscularly to counteract severe allergic reactions.

Question 37

What is the effect of antihistamines on capillary permeability?

Answer 37

They decrease capillary permeability, leading to reduced swelling

Question 38

What is the primary concern when using narcotic antitussives?

Answer 38

The risk of respiratory depression.

Question 39

How do expectorants aid in respiratory conditions?

Answer 39

By thinning mucus, making it easier to cough up.

Question 40

What is the importance of patient education regarding antihistamines?

Answer 40

To inform them about potential side effects and interactions with other medications.

Question 41

What is the primary action of nasal decongestants?

Answer 41

To reduce nasal congestion by constricting blood vessels in the nasal mucosa

Question 42

What are the potential drug interactions with nasal decongestants?

Answer 42

They can lead to increased blood pressure and heart rate.

Question 43

What is the mechanism of action for non-narcotic antitussives?

Answer 43

They act as local anesthetics to suppress the cough reflex.

Question 44

What is a common use for expectorants in respiratory therapy?

Answer 44

To treat conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia by facilitating mucus clearance.

Question 45

How does epinephrine help in respiratory emergencies?

Answer 45

It relaxes bronchial smooth muscle and reduces airway swelling.

Question 46

What is the typical route of administration for inhaled epinephrine?

Answer 46

It is administered via nebulization or metered-dose inhaler (MDI).

Question 47

What are the contraindications for using first-generation antihistamines?

Answer 47

They should be avoided in patients with glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, and certain cardiovascular conditions.

Question 48

What is the effect of antihistamines on the central nervous system?

Answer 48

First-generation antihistamines can cause sedation and drowsiness.

Question 49

What should patients be advised regarding the use of expectorants?

Answer 49

They should be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids to enhance the effectiveness of the medication.

Question 50

What is the role of histamine in the allergic response?

Answer 50

Histamine causes symptoms such as swelling, congestion, and increased mucus production during allergic reactions.