Respiratory Drugs - Pharmacology Review

A nurse is caring for a client who is having difficulty mobilizing thick respiratory secretions. Which of the following drugs should the nurse expect to administer?

Acetylcysteine - a mucolytic that loosens thick respiratory secretions

A nurse is teaching a client who has a prescription for albuterol via inhaler and fluticasone via inhaler for asthma management. For which of the following reasons should the nurse instruct the client to use the albuterol before using the fluticasone inhaler?

Albuterol will increase the absorption of fluticasone - albuterol, an inhaled, short acting beta2 agonist causes bronchodilation, which will increase the absorption of fluticasone, an inhaled glucocorticoid.

A nurse is teaching a client about using intranasal glucocorticoids. Which of the following instructions should the nurse give?

Allow atleast 2 weeks for the full therapeutic effect - it can take 2-3 wks for full therapeutic effect of intranasal glucocorticoids

Second generation none sedating antihistamine Manages allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria. May cause drowsiness or fatigue. Anticholinergic effects: dry mouth, nose, and throat. Be cautious of taking it if impaired liver or kidney function. Theophylline can reduce clearance of this and lead to toxicity. Concurrent use with sedative/hypnotics, opioid analgesics, or alcohol can potentiate CNS depression.

Cetirizine

Which drug has a therapeutic effect which helps coughs related to viral upper respiratory tract infections. Has adverse reactions of dizziness, drowsiness, headache, GI distress, and allergic reaction. Be cautious of coughs lasting longer than 1 week

Gauifenesin (an expectorant)

Which of the following is true about the drug montelukast ?

It should be taken once a day in the evening - it is a leukotriene modifier, and is most effecitve when taken once a day in the evening

A nurse should identify that dextromethorphan can have which of the following effects when combined with morphine ?

Potentiation of depression of CNS actions - combining that with an opioid like morphine, increases the risk for decreased respirations and other depressed CNS responses.

This medication deals with mucous. Has a rotten egg smell. Need to check to see clients ability to cough and remove secretions due to the secretions being increased. Equipment for nebulization should be cleaned after each use. It is the antidote for acetaminophen overdose.

acetylcysteine

The nurse is teaching a client about the use of beclomethasone to treat asthma. The nurse should explain that the drug has which therapeutic effects?

decreases inflammation - it is an intranasal glucocorticoid and treats asthma by reducing inflammation

This medication works on upper respiratory disorders. Similar to anticholinergic drugs. Can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Effective against allergic reactions.

diphenhydramine

A nurse is teaching a client who is beginning fluticasone propionate/salmeterol therapy. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

increase weight bearing activity - weight bearing activity can help minimize bone loss, which is an adverse effect of fluticasone propionate /salmeterol, an inhaled glucocorticoid and inhaled long acting beta2 agonist (LAB) combination medication

Medication used for bronchodilation. Not for acute asthma exacerbation. Used for COPD. Can cause dry mouth and not good for a person with narrow angle glaucoma.

ipratopium

Works on decreasing bronchoconstriction and inflammation. Might cause adverse neuropsychiatric symptoms like suicidal thoughts or behaviors. This prototype does not cause liver damage like others in the same class.

montelukast

Works well for upper respiratory issues. Causes vasoconstriction which leads to opening up the nasal passages and relieving nasal congestion. Overuse of nasal application can cause rebound congestion. Can cause increase in heart rate and blood pressure

phenylephrine

A nurse is telling a client about the use of an expectorant to treat a cough. The nurse should include that the expectorant has which of the following therapeutic effects?

reduces surface tension - they act by reducing surface tension & viscosity of respiratory secretions. This results in thinning thick mucous, making it easier to cough out of the lungs and drain out of the noses and sinuses.

A nurse is caring for a client who is taking codeine. The nurse should identify that which of the following assessments is priority to make?

respirations

Used for long term management of asthma. Has a narrow therapeutic level. Can lead to problems like restlessness, insomnia, and more serious issues like dysrhythmias. Client should reduce or eliminate their caffeine intake.

theophylline