Pharmacology of Respiratory Treatments

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of montelukast in asthma management?

It acts as a bronchodilator.

It acts as a short-term rescue medication.

It suppresses the cough reflex.

It reduces inflammation and bronchoconstriction. (correct)

What blood level range should be monitored for theophylline to avoid toxicity?

30-40 mcg/mL

10-20 mcg/mL (correct)

20-30 mcg/mL

5-10 mcg/mL

What is a common side effect experienced by patients taking dextromethorphan?

Severe headaches

Mild dizziness or nausea (correct)

Throat irritation

Excessive drowsiness

When is ondansetron typically administered for best efficacy?

30-60 minutes before treatment Signup and view all the answers

What precaution should be taken when using inhaled corticosteroids?

Rinse the mouth after each use. Signup and view all the answers

What should patients be informed about regarding sedating antihistamines like diphenhydramine?

They can cause drowsiness affecting driving skills. Signup and view all the answers

What specific neuropsychiatric effects should patients on montelukast be aware of?

Depression and behavioral changes Signup and view all the answers

What is a nursing consideration related to fluid intake for patients taking expectorants?

Increase fluid intake to thin respiratory secretions. Signup and view all the answers

What therapeutic effect does theophylline primarily provide?

It acts as a bronchodilator. Signup and view all the answers

What should patients using a spacer device be advised about?

It helps improve inhaler medication delivery. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of empiric therapy in treating respiratory symptoms?

It is administered based on the provider's assumptions of likely causes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential side effect of higher doses of Loratadine?

CNS effects like headache or fatigue. Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is primarily used for immediate relief of bronchospasm during an asthma attack?

Albuterol Signup and view all the answers

What condition should patients avoid taking anticholinergics due to the risk of increased intraocular pressure?

Narrow-angle glaucoma Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism does Guaifenesin (Mucinex) utilize to support respiratory health?

Thinning mucus to facilitate easier expulsion. Signup and view all the answers

Why are oral decongestants preferred over nasal spray decongestants for prolonged relief?

They do not cause rebound congestion. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about sedating antihistamines is correct?

They typically have anticholinergic effects. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of administering Salmeterol (Advair)?

For daily maintenance therapy in asthma and COPD. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following risks is associated with excessive doses of oral decongestants?

Hypertension and palpitations Signup and view all the answers

What is the main action of Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) in the respiratory system?

It numbs cough receptors to reduce the urge to cough. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Empiric Therapy

A treatment approach based on the most likely cause of symptoms.
Example: Treating a patient for a common cold based on upper respiratory symptoms.

Respiratory Infections

Rhinovirus is responsible for approximately 40% of acute upper respiratory illnesses.
Rhinovirus is an RNA virus that commonly causes the common cold.

Antihistamines

Loratadine (Claritin) is a non-sedating antihistamine.
- It's used to relieve allergy symptoms such as hay fever.
- It does not generally cause sleepiness.
- Higher doses may lead to CNS effects such as headache or fatigue.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is a traditional antihistamine that causes sedation and anticholinergic effects.
- It's commonly used to help patients sleep and relieve allergy symptoms.

Decongestants

Oral decongestants offer prolonged relief and do not cause rebound congestion.
- Rebound congestion is a concern with nasal spray decongestants.
Excessive dosages can lead to systemic side effects such as hypertension and palpitations.
- These are due to alpha-adrenergic stimulation.

Anticholinergics

Anticholinergics are used for respiratory conditions like COPD.
- They may cause side effects such as dry mouth, urinary retention, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Patients with narrow-angle glaucoma should not take anticholinergics.
- They increase the risk of intraocular pressure.

Cough Suppressants

Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) is a nonopioid antitussive that numbs cough receptors in the respiratory system.
- It reduces the urge to cough.
Guaifenesin (Mucinex) is an expectorant that thins mucus.
- It makes it easier to expel mucus from the body.
- Patients are advised to increase fluid intake to help thin secretions.

Inhaled Medications for Asthma and COPD

Salmeterol (Advair) is a long-acting beta agonist inhaler.
- It's for daily maintenance of asthma and COPD.
- It is not suitable for immediate symptom relief.
Albuterol is a short-acting beta2 agonist.
- It's typically used for immediate relief of bronchospasms during asthma attacks.
- It relaxes smooth muscle in the airways, providing quick symptom relief.

Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists (LTRAs)

Montelukast (Singulair) is a preventive medication for asthma.
- It's taken daily on a continuous schedule even when symptoms are controlled.
- It helps reduce inflammation and bronchoconstriction.

Side Effects to Monitor

Dextromethorphan is a nonopioid cough suppressant.
- It works centrally to block the cough reflex.
- Common side effects include mild dizziness or nausea.
Theophylline is a bronchodilator with a narrow therapeutic range.
- It requires monitoring blood levels.
- Aim for 10-20 mcg/mL.
- Levels above 20 mcg/mL may lead to toxicity.
  - Symptoms include nausea, restlessness, or cardiac issues.

Antiemetics for Nausea and Vomiting

Ondansetron (Zofran) is a serotonin blocker.
- It's used to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
- It's often administered 30-60 minutes before chemotherapy for optimal results.

Nursing Considerations and Patient Education

Encourage patients taking expectorants like guaifenesin to drink plenty of fluids.
- Fluid intake helps thin and loosen respiratory secretions.
Provide a spacer device to patients who struggle with inhaler coordination.
- It improves drug delivery by holding the medication briefly before inhalation.
Instruct patients using inhaled corticosteroids to rinse their mouth after each use.
- This prevents oral fungal infections, such as thrush.
Educate patients on the potential for drowsiness with sedating antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine.
- Advise against driving or operating machinery until they understand the medication’s effects.
Tell patients on montelukast that possible neuropsychiatric effects may occur.
- These include depression or behavioral changes.
- Advise patients to report these effects to their provider if they occur.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of empiric therapy and its application in treating respiratory infections. Learn about antihistamines, decongestants, and their specific uses in managing allergy symptoms and colds. Test your knowledge on common medications and their effects on the body.