Nasal Medications and Their Usage

Rebound Rhinitis and Nasal Treatments

• Pseudoephedrine and topical nasal sprays like phenylephrine can cause rebound rhinitis and CNS reactions.
• Nasal steroids include Nasacort, Nasonex, Beconase (two sprays each nostril every 12 hours), and Flonase (one spray each nostril every 12 hours).
• Proper usage of nasal sprays involves gently blowing the nose, tilting the head forward, and positioning the spray away from the nasal septum while sniffing gently.

Immunotherapy

• Allergy injections help develop a defensive reaction and are administered monthly for a minimum of three years.
• Beneficial for patients resistant or intolerant to medications and those requiring continuous medication for allergies.

Acute Viral Rhinitis (Common Cold)

• Common symptoms include cough, red throat due to post-nasal drip, normal tympanic membranes, swollen lymph nodes, and red, inflamed nasal mucosa.
• Sinus drainage may appear thick and yellow; patients are typically afebrile or present with a low-grade fever.
• Different phases of rhinitis: acute (under 4 weeks), subacute (4-12 weeks), chronic (over 12 weeks).

Chronic Sinusitis

• Symptoms last longer than 12 weeks; common underlying issues include nasal polyps, deviated septum, or allergic rhinitis.
• Treatment may involve surgery and allergy control and decongestants for sinusitis.

Pharyngitis

• Inflammation of the pharynx can be acute bacterial, acute viral, or chronic (often non-infectious).
• Symptoms include varying throat redness, possible exudate, palpable lymph nodes, and clear lungs.
• Treat viral pharyngitis with symptomatic management; bacterial infections require antibiotics like Amoxicillin or Zithromax.

Lower Respiratory Problems

Acute Bronchitis

• Typically viral; characterized by bronchi inflammation and persistent cough with clear mucoid sputum for up to three weeks.
• Additional symptoms may include fever, malaise, and dyspnea.
• Treatment focuses on symptom relief using cough suppressants and bronchodilators.

Pneumonia

• Acute inflammation of lung tissue caused by infectious agents, with types including community-acquired, hospital-acquired, aspiration, and opportunistic pneumonia.
• Symptoms include fever, cough (with or without sputum), chills, and shortness of breath, especially in older adults where altered mental status may occur.
• Diagnosis includes chest x-rays, CBC, sputum cultures.

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Chronic infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs, classified by its slow growth.
• Tubercle bacilli can cause local inflammation, leading to neutrophil and macrophage activity in the lungs, potentially forming granulomas.
• Must report new cases to public health agencies.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• A progressive disorder with airflow limitation and is mainly attributed to cigarette smoking.
• Comprises chronic bronchitis (productive cough for three months or more) and emphysema (distension of airspaces and destruction of lung structure).
• COPD symptoms include dyspnea, increased respiratory rate, and the use of accessory muscles for breathing.

Diagnostic Tests and Management for COPD

• Diagnostics include bronchoscopy, respiratory assessments, and evaluation of AP diameter and fremitus.
• Medical management involves inhalers, bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and may require supplemental oxygen depending on patient needs.

Nursing Management for COPD

• Focus on managing impaired gas exchange, encouraging ventilation, and oxygen therapy education.
• Important interventions include monitoring ABGs, patient assessment for supplemental oxygen needs, and effective coughing techniques to maintain airway clearance.

This quiz covers the use of various nasal medications, including pseudoephedrine and nasal steroids like Nasacort and Flonase. Learn the correct application techniques and potential side effects like rebound rhinitis and CNS reactions. Test your knowledge on proper nasal care and medication administration.