Week 6: Decongestants: Upper Respiratory Meds Flashcards

1
Q

Decongestant Drugs

A
  • Phenylephrine
  • Ephedrine
  • Pseudoephedrine
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Expected Pharmacologic Action

A

alpha 1-adrenergic receptors causes decreased inflammation in nasal passages

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Therapeutic Use

A
  • treat allergic or nonallergic rhinitis by relieving nasal stuffiness
  • acts as a decongestant for clients who have sinusitis (rhinosinusitis) and the common cold
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Complications

A
  • decongestants can cause rebound congestion
  • CNS stimulation; agitation, nervousness, uneasiness
  • vasoconstriction
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Contraindications

A
  • category C pregnancy risk
  • contraindicated in clients who have closed-angle glaucoma
  • cautiously in coronary artery disease, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease and dysrhythmias because of complication of vasoconstriction
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Vasoconstriction

A

is the narrowing (constriction) of blood vessels by small muscles in their walls. When blood vessels constrict, blood flow is slowed or blocked.
-can be a complication with oral agents

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Medication Administration

A
  • nasal drops; instruct clients to be in the lateral, head-low position to increase desired effect and prevent swallowing
  • drops preferred for children; administered precisely and toxicity prevented
  • teach nasal spray
  • can produce similar effects to amphetamine
  • available without prescription but need ID
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Nursing Interventions

A
  • use topical decongestants no longer than 3 to 5 days to avoid rebound congestion
  • taper use and discontinue one nostril at a time
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Client Education

A
  • observe and report manifestations of CNS stimulation
  • avoid if have hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, dysrythmias, coronary artery disease because of vasoconstriction
  • be aware of differences of topical and oral agents
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Topical Agents

A
  • usually more effective and work faster
  • have a shorter duration
  • do not exceed recommended doses
  • vasoconstriction and CNS stimulation are uncommon
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Oral agents

A

-vasoconstriction and CNS stimulation are a concern with oral agents

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly