Unit 8: Respiratory Disorders

The sympathetic nervous system does what to the airway?

Causes bronchiolar muscle to relax and bronchodilation to occur

The parasympathetic nervous system does what to the airway?

- Causes bronchiolar muscle to contract and bronchoconstriction to occur

- Airways narrow due to bronchospasam

When is salbutamol (ventolin) used? What does it do? Duration?

- Short-acting beta2 adrenergic agonist indicated for asthma attacks, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, COPD

- Promotes bronchodilation

- Can terminate asthma episodes

- It is ultra short-acting (only lasts 2-3 hrs - best for acute asthma attacks)

Side effects of salbutamol

Tachycardia, shakiness, dizziness, headaches, anxiety

Serious:

- Bronchospasm, dysrhythmias

What is an inhaled anticholinergic? MOA?

Ipratropium (Atrovent)

- Promote bronchodilation by blocking muscarinic ACh receptors

Adverse effects of Ipratropium

Dry mouth, urinary retention, nausea, bitter tase (sympathetic)

Serious:

- Tachycardia, paradoxical bronchospasm

With what condition should you be cautious when using atrovent?

BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia)

- Worsens urinary retention

What are some nursing considerations for patients receiving bronchodilators?

- maintain an environment free from asthma episodes

- ensure pt receives adequate fluids to break up mucous

- ensure pt is getting enough vitamins and nutrients (dyspnea can impair absorption)

Beclomethasone therapeutic use? MOA? Adverse effects?

Therapeutic uses: (steroid)

- asthma and allergic rhinitis

MOA: glucocorticoid that reduces inflammation and immune response

Adverse effects:

- can cause fungal infections

- can cause dry mouth, hoarseness, change to sense of taste

What is important to note with inhaled steroids?

- rinse the mouth after administration to prevent fungal infections

- taper the doses when d/c

- monitor BG

- can mask infections

What class is Solu-Medrol

Glucocorticoid

Generic name: Methylprednisolone Injection

- treats inflammation and asthma

What drugs are used to treat COPD?

bronchodilators, anti-inflammatory agents, and mucolytics/expectorants

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