Respiratory Infections and Treatments Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of empiric therapy in medical treatment?

To cure the disease permanently

To perform diagnostic tests before treatment

To ensure minimal side effects with medication

To treat symptoms based on assumed causes (correct)

Which statement about loratadine (Claritin) is true?

It causes significant sedation in most patients.

Higher doses may lead to CNS side effects. (correct)

It is utilized primarily for acne treatment.

It is a prescribed medication only.

What is the primary purpose of montelukast?

To enhance cough reflex

To treat acute asthma attacks

To eliminate respiratory infections

To prevent asthma symptoms (correct)

What is a potential side effect of excessive dosage of oral decongestants?

Hypertension and palpitations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an important consideration when using anticholinergics?

They may increase intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical monitoring aspect for theophylline therapy?

Maintaining blood levels between 10-20 mcg/mL Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is indicated for immediate relief of bronchospasm in asthma attacks?

Albuterol Signup and view all the answers

Which side effect is commonly associated with dextromethorphan?

Dizziness or nausea Signup and view all the answers

When should ondansetron be administered for optimal effectiveness?

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

What is the major function of guaifenesin (Mucinex)?

To thin mucus and ease its expulsion Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes sedating antihistamines from nonsedating ones?

Sedating antihistamines cause drowsiness and have anticholinergic effects. Signup and view all the answers

What should patients using inhaled corticosteroids do after each use?

Rinse their mouth Signup and view all the answers

When might a provider opt for empiric therapy?

When common symptoms suggest a likely underlying cause Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential neuropsychiatric effect that patients on montelukast should report?

Depression or behavioral changes Signup and view all the answers

What should patients taking expectorants like guaifenesin be encouraged to do?

Drink plenty of fluids Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about sedating antihistamines is correct?

Patients should avoid driving until they know how it affects them. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Empiric Therapy

Treatment based on likely cause of symptoms, like treating a common cold based on upper respiratory symptoms.

Respiratory Infections

Rhinovirus accounts for 40% of acute respiratory illnesses and is an RNA virus.
Rhinovirus commonly causes symptoms like a common cold.

Antihistamines

Loratadine (Claritin) is a non-sedating antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms.
Loratadine can cause CNS effects like headache or fatigue at higher doses.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is a sedating antihistamine with anticholinergic effects, used to induce sleep and treat allergies.

Decongestants

Oral decongestants provide prolonged relief without causing rebound congestion.
Excessive doses of decongestants can lead to systemic side effects like hypertension and palpitations due to alpha-adrenergic stimulation.

Anticholinergics

Used in respiratory conditions like COPD.
Anticholinergics may cause adverse effects like dry mouth, urinary retention, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Patients with narrow-angle glaucoma should avoid anticholinergics due to an increased risk of intraocular pressure.

Cough Suppressants

Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) is a nonopioid antitussive that numbs cough receptors to reduce the urge to cough.
Guaifenesin (Mucinex) is an expectorant that thins mucus making it easier to expel.
Patients taking guaifenesin should increase fluid intake to help loosen secretions.

Inhaled Medications for Asthma and COPD

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

Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists (LTRAs)

Montelukast (Singulair) is a preventative medication for asthma.
Montelukast needs to be taken daily, even when symptoms are controlled, to reduce inflammation and bronchoconstriction.

Side Effects to Monitor

Dextromethorphan is a nonopioid cough suppressant that blocks the cough reflex.
It can cause mild dizziness or nausea.
Theophylline is a bronchodilator with a narrow therapeutic range.
Blood levels should range from 10-20 mcg/mL.
Theophylline levels above 20 mcg/mL can lead to toxicity, resulting in symptoms like nausea, restlessness, or cardiac issues.

Antiemetics for Nausea and Vomiting

Ondansetron (Zofran) is a serotonin blocker used to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Ondansetron is usually administered 30-60 minutes before treatment to achieve the best results.

Nursing Considerations and Patient Education

Encourage patients taking expectorants like guaifenesin to drink plenty of fluids to help thin and loosen secretions.
Provide spacer devices to patients struggling with inhaler coordination to improve drug delivery.
Instruct patients on oral hygiene after using inhaled corticosteroids to prevent oral fungal infections like thrush.
Educate patients on the potential for drowsiness with sedating antihistamines like diphenhydramine and advise against driving or operating machinery.
Inform patients on montelukast about potential neuropsychiatric effects like depression or behavioral changes and advise them to report these to the provider.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the management of respiratory infections and the various treatments available. This quiz covers empiric therapy, antihistamines, decongestants, and anticholinergics. Learn about the efficacy and side effects of these medications in respiratory conditions.