Week 6: Decongestants: Upper Respiratory Meds Flashcards
1
Q
Decongestant Drugs
A
- Phenylephrine
- Ephedrine
- Pseudoephedrine
2
Q
Expected Pharmacologic Action
A
alpha 1-adrenergic receptors causes decreased inflammation in nasal passages
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
4
Q
Complications
A
- decongestants can cause rebound congestion
- CNS stimulation; agitation, nervousness, uneasiness
- vasoconstriction
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
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
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
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
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
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
11
Q
Oral agents
A
-vasoconstriction and CNS stimulation are a concern with oral agents
