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Questions and Answers
What is the primary action of expectorants?
What is the primary action of expectorants?
Which drug type is primarily used to relieve symptoms of allergies?
Which drug type is primarily used to relieve symptoms of allergies?
What is rebound congestion?
What is rebound congestion?
What physiological response is largely responsible for the symptoms of the common cold?
What physiological response is largely responsible for the symptoms of the common cold?
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Which condition involves inflammation of the sinuses?
Which condition involves inflammation of the sinuses?
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Which of the following describes the action of antitussives?
Which of the following describes the action of antitussives?
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Cilia in the respiratory tract primarily serve what function?
Cilia in the respiratory tract primarily serve what function?
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What triggers the sneeze reflex?
What triggers the sneeze reflex?
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Which of the following should be assessed before administering antihistamines?
Which of the following should be assessed before administering antihistamines?
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What is a potential adverse effect of topical nasal steroids?
What is a potential adverse effect of topical nasal steroids?
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Which patient condition is critical to evaluate before prescribing antihistamines?
Which patient condition is critical to evaluate before prescribing antihistamines?
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In the case of iron toxicity, which medication would be prescribed?
In the case of iron toxicity, which medication would be prescribed?
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Which symptom should be monitored in a patient taking antihistamines?
Which symptom should be monitored in a patient taking antihistamines?
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What is the primary action of oral decongestants?
What is the primary action of oral decongestants?
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Which condition is not an indication for the use of oral decongestants?
Which condition is not an indication for the use of oral decongestants?
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What are the potential adverse effects of pseudoephedrine?
What are the potential adverse effects of pseudoephedrine?
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How does pseudoephedrine work in the body?
How does pseudoephedrine work in the body?
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Which of the following conditions contraindicates the use of oral decongestants?
Which of the following conditions contraindicates the use of oral decongestants?
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What should be assessed when considering the use of oral decongestants?
What should be assessed when considering the use of oral decongestants?
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What is the onset time for the action of pseudoephedrine when taken orally?
What is the onset time for the action of pseudoephedrine when taken orally?
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Which of the following is a common side effect of sympathomimetic decongestants like pseudoephedrine?
Which of the following is a common side effect of sympathomimetic decongestants like pseudoephedrine?
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Which property is NOT associated with antihistamines?
Which property is NOT associated with antihistamines?
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What is the primary action of H1 antagonists?
What is the primary action of H1 antagonists?
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Which of the following conditions is an indication for using antihistamines?
Which of the following conditions is an indication for using antihistamines?
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What is a common adverse effect of first-generation antihistamines?
What is a common adverse effect of first-generation antihistamines?
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Which of the following is a second-generation antihistamine?
Which of the following is a second-generation antihistamine?
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What is a contraindication for antihistamine usage?
What is a contraindication for antihistamine usage?
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How does diphenhydramine primarily function?
How does diphenhydramine primarily function?
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Which route of administration is NOT applicable for diphenhydramine?
Which route of administration is NOT applicable for diphenhydramine?
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What is the main goal of treating upper respiratory infections as described?
What is the main goal of treating upper respiratory infections as described?
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Which group was advised against using over-the-counter cough and cold products in 2008?
Which group was advised against using over-the-counter cough and cold products in 2008?
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Which of the following is an effect of antitussives?
Which of the following is an effect of antitussives?
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What potential risk is associated with older adults using OTC cold medications?
What potential risk is associated with older adults using OTC cold medications?
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What is the purpose of using mucolytics in upper respiratory infections?
What is the purpose of using mucolytics in upper respiratory infections?
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What does empiric therapy refer to in the context of treating upper respiratory infections?
What does empiric therapy refer to in the context of treating upper respiratory infections?
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What is one of the effects of antihistamines in treating upper respiratory conditions?
What is one of the effects of antihistamines in treating upper respiratory conditions?
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Why is it important to consult a pediatrician regarding cold medication for young children?
Why is it important to consult a pediatrician regarding cold medication for young children?
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Study Notes
Pharmacology for Nursing - Unit II
- Course Title: Pharmacology for Nursing
- Unit: II
- Chapter: 9 - Drugs Acting on the Respiratory Tract
- Instructor: Dr. Hanan A. M. Youssef
- Credentials: RN, MNS, DNS, Associate Professor- Emergency & Critical Care Nursing, Nursing Department – Taif University
Learning Objectives
- Define pharmacology key terms
- Describe the physiological events in upper respiratory disorders
- Detail therapeutic actions, indications, pharmacokinetics, contraindications, adverse reactions, and drug-drug interactions of drugs acting on the upper respiratory tract
- Discuss drug use across the lifespan
- Compare and contrast prototype drugs with other agents in their class and other drugs acting on the respiratory tract
- Outline nursing considerations (teaching) for patients receiving these drugs
Drugs Acting on the Respiratory Tract
- Key Terms: Histamine, antihistamines, mucolytics, antitussives, cilia, common cold (URT), decongestants, expectorants, seasonal rhinitis, sinusitis, sneezing, ventilation, nasal spray, defense mechanisms.
- Drugs Acting on the Upper Respiratory Tract: Includes nasal cavity, larynx, pharynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, goblet cells, mucus, cilia, alveolar sacs.
- Most common upper respiratory infections are caused primarily by viral infections (rhinovirus or influenza virus).
- Excessive mucus production is a result of the inflammatory response.
Treatment of Common Cold
- Treatment involves combined use of antihistamines, nasal decongestants, antitussives, and expectorants.
- Treatment is primarily symptomatic.
- Difficult to definitively determine if the cause is viral or bacterial.
- Treatment is often "empirical therapy"—treating the most likely cause.
- Antivirals and antibiotics may be used, but a definitive viral or bacterial cause may not always be easily identified.
Pediatric Concerns
- In 2008, the FDA issued recommendations against giving over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to children under 4-years-old. Extreme caution is advised for those 4-6 years old.
- Evidence suggests that such medications are not effective in children and may be harmful, leading to adverse events like over-sedation, seizures, tachycardia, and even death.
- Parents should consult pediatricians for the best ways to manage illnesses.
Adults & Geriatric (Older Adults) Concerns
- Adults may accidentally overdose on OTC medications, especially if taking multiple products.
- The safety of these drugs during pregnancy and lactation is not always established.
- Older adults are more prone to adverse effects such as sedation, confusion, and dizziness.
- Renal and/or hepatic impairment can affect the metabolism and excretion of these drugs.
Drugs Used to Treat Upper Respiratory Infections
- Antitussives: Block the cough reflex (centrally) acting on the medulla.
- Decongestants: Decrease blood flow to the upper respiratory tract, decreasing secretion production.
- Antihistamines: Block the release or action of histamine, decreasing secretions and narrowing airways.
- Expectorants: Increase productive cough.
- Mucolytics: Increase or liquefy respiratory secretions which aid in clearing airways.
Oral Decongestants
- Actions: Decrease nasal congestion, shrink nasal mucosa by stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors, and promote drainage.
- Indications: Common cold, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis.
- Pharmacokinetics: Well-absorbed and widely distributed, metabolized in the liver, primarily excreted in urine.
- Contraindications: Conditions exacerbated by sympathetic activity.
- Adverse Effects: Rebound congestion and sympathetic effects.
- Nursing Considerations: Assess for history of conditions such as pregnancy or lactation; hypertension; CAD; and history of allergies.
Prototype Oral Decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine)
- Indications: Temporary relief of nasal congestion.
- Actions: Sympathomimetic effects, causing vasoconstriction in nasal passages to increase drainage and improve ventilation.
- Route: Oral
- Onset: 30 minutes
- Duration: 4-6 hours
Antihistamines and Histamine Antagonists
- Histamine is a major inflammatory mediator in many allergic disorders, including allergic rhinitis, anaphylaxis, angioedema, drug fevers, and urticaria (itching).
- Antihistamines have sedative, antihistaminic, and anticholinergic properties. H1 antagonists (e.g., diphenhydramine) block H1 histamine receptors, reducing allergic responses.
- H2 blockers (e.g., cimetidine) reduce gastric acid in peptic ulcer disease.
Prototype Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine)
- Indications: Symptomatic relief of allergic symptoms, seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, and for managing sleep and coughs.
- Actions: Competitively blocks histamine at H1 receptors, resulting in sedation, anticholinergic effects.
- Route: Oral, Intramuscular (IM), intravenous (IV).
- Onset: Ranges from 15-30 minutes to rapid (IV)
- Duration: Wide range, typically 4–8 hours.
Nursing Considerations for Antihistamines
- Assess for allergies and conditions like pregnancy, prolonged QT interval, renal or hepatic impairment, and skin, orientation, affect, and reflexes.
- Monitor respiration rate, adventitious sounds, and appropriate laboratory values such as kidney function.
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Description
Explore the key concepts of pharmacology related to drugs acting on the respiratory tract in this quiz. Learn about therapeutic actions, indications, and nursing considerations for these medications. This assessment covers essential pharmacology terms and drug comparisons critical for nursing practice.