Respiratory and Musculoskeletal Disorders Flashcards

Flashcards covering respiratory medications (antitussives, antihistamines, asthma/COPD treatments) and musculoskeletal medications (gout, osteoporosis, muscle relaxants).

Guaifenesin (Mucinex)

An over-the-counter expectorant that thins, loosens, and increases moisture in mucus to make coughs more productive; patients should drink at least $2\,L$ of fluid a day.

Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst)

A prescription mucolytic that breaks down the physical structure of mucus; it is also used as an antidote for acetaminophen toxicity.

Diphenhydramine

A first-generation antihistamine that crosses the blood-brain barrier and blocks $H1$ receptors; causes significant sedation and is contraindicated in glaucoma and urinary retention.

Loratadine (Claritin)

A second-generation, non-drowsy antihistamine used for all-day relief of allergy symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose.

Rules of Two®

A guideline indicating uncontrolled asthma if a patient uses a rescue inhaler $> 2$ times per week, has nighttime awakenings $> 2$ times per month, or refills the inhaler $> 2$ times per year.

Albuterol

A short-acting beta 2-agonist (SABA) rescue inhaler that activates $B2$ receptors to dilate bronchioles; side effects include tremors, insomnia, and tachycardia.

Stepwise Management: Intermittent Asthma

The classification where symptoms occur $\leq 2$ days/week and nighttime awakenings occur $\leq 2$ nights/month; first-line treatment is SABA PRN only.

Tiotropium (Spiriva)

A long-acting anticholinergic (LAMA) used as a daily controller for COPD with a $24$-hour duration; reduces exacerbation frequency but causes dry mouth and constipation.

Montelukast (Singulair)

A leukotriene inhibitor taken once daily in the evening for long-term prevention of asthma and allergy symptoms; takes $1-2$ weeks for therapeutic effect.

Theophylline

A methylxanthine bronchodilator with a narrow therapeutic range of $10-20\,mcg/mL$; toxicity signs include tachycardia, anorexia, seizures, and life-threatening arrhythmias.

Roflumilast (Daliresp)

A PDE-4 inhibitor oral tablet used for severe COPD with chronic bronchitis; nursing implications include monitoring for weight loss and suicidal ideation.

Colchicine (Colcrys)

An anti-inflammatory drug for acute gout flares that interrupts the urate crystal inflammation pathway; GI upset and diarrhea are hallmark signs of toxicity.

Allopurinol (Zyloprim)

A xanthine oxidase inhibitor used for long-term gout prevention; carries a Black Box Warning for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (rash).

Calcium Carbonate (Caltrate)

An OTC supplement for bone health taken in divided doses of no more than $500\,mg$ per dose; absorption is enhanced by Vitamin D and Magnesium.

Alendronate (Fosamax)

A bisphosphonate that inhibits bone reabsorption to treat osteoporosis; must be taken before food with a full glass of water while remaining upright for $30-60\,min$ to prevent esophagitis.

Raloxifene (Evista)

A SERM used for postmenopausal women to slow bone breakdown; carries a risk for DVT and pulmonary embolism.

Dantrolene (Dantrium)

A peripherally acting muscle relaxant that prevents calcium release in muscle; carries a Black Box Warning for hepatotoxicity.

Baclofen

A CNS-acting GABA agonist used for long-term muscle spasticity; must never be stopped abruptly due to the risk of seizures and hallucinations.

Cyclobenzaprine

A short-term muscle relaxant used for spasms and injuries; contraindicated in patients with a history of MI or heart arrhythmias.

Methocarbamol (Robaxin)

A muscle relaxant used for short-term relief of muscle injuries; side effects include flushing, low BP, and potential temporary memory loss (amnesia).