Nursing Care of Clients with Drugs Affecting the Respiratory System

Vocabulary flashcards covering upper and lower respiratory tract disorders and pharmacology based on the NCM 106 lecture notes.

Ventilation

The movement of air from the atmosphere through the upper and lower airways to the alveoli.

Respiration

Gas exchange occurring at the capillary membrane, consisting of three phases: ventilation, perfusion, and diffusion.

Ventilation-Perfusion Ratio (V/Q)

The ratio evaluating gas exchange between capillaries and alveoli; normal V/Q is $0.8$, where low V/Q represents shunt perfusion (wasted perfusion due to airway obstruction or pneumonia) and high V/Q represents dead space ventilation (wasted ventilation due to pulmonary embolism or cardiogenic shock).

Common Cold

The most prevalent type of upper respiratory infection, caused by rhinovirus, presenting with symptoms of rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, cough, and increased mucosal secretions.

Acute Rhinitis

Acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose that usually accompanies the common cold and causes increased nasal secretions.

Allergic Rhinitis

Also known as hay fever, an upper respiratory condition caused by pollen or foreign substances that results in increased nasal secretions.

Sinusitis

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of one or more sinuses, managed with decongestants, acetaminophen, fluids, rest, and antibiotics for acute or severe cases.

Acute Pharyngitis

Inflammation of the throat caused by viruses, beta-hemolytic streptococci, or other bacteria; presents with elevated temperature and cough, requiring a throat culture and a $10\text{-day}$ antibiotic course if positive for beta-hemolytic streptococci.

H1 Antagonists

Antihistamines that compete with histamine for H1 receptor sites to prevent the histamine response, decreasing nasopharyngeal secretions and constricting extravascular smooth muscle.

First-Generation Antihistamines

A class of antihistamines that cause drowsiness, dry mouth, and anticholinergic symptoms, requiring patient warnings against driving or operating dangerous machinery.

Diphenhydramine

A first-generation antihistamine used primarily to treat rhinitis and as an antitussive; causes significant drowsiness and anticholinergic effects, and is contraindicated during breastfeeding.

Second-Generation Antihistamines

Non-sedating antihistamines (such as cetirizine and loratadine) that have fewer anticholinergic symptoms and are indicated for allergic rhinitis.

Nasal Decongestants

Sympathomimetic amines that stimulate alpha-adrenergic receptors, causing mucosal capillary vasoconstriction and shrinking of nasal mucous membranes; frequent use beyond $3\text{ days}$ can lead to tolerance and rebound nasal congestion.

Systemic Decongestants

Oral alpha-adrenergic agonists used for allergic rhinitis that can cause jitteriness and restlessness; used with extreme caution in patients with hypertension, cardiac disease, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes mellitus.

Intranasal Glucocorticoids

Anti-inflammatory steroid sprays (e.g., beclomethasone, fluticasone) effective for allergic rhinitis symptoms like rhinorrhea and sneezing; must be sprayed away from the nasal septum while sniffing gently.

Antitussives

Drugs that act on the cough-control center in the medulla to suppress nonproductive, irritating cough reflexes.

Expectorants

Medications such as guaifenesin that loosen bronchial secretions so they can be eliminated by coughing, complemented by taking at least $8\text{ glasses}$ of water daily as a natural expectorant.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A group of lower respiratory disorders—primarily caused by cigarette smoking—that includes chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, emphysema, and asthma.

Chronic Bronchitis

A progressive COPD condition characterized by bronchial inflammation and excessive mucus secretion leading to airway obstruction, productive cough, rhonchi, and hypercapnia/hypoxemia causing respiratory acidosis.

Bronchiectasis

An abnormal dilation of the bronchi and bronchioles secondary to frequent infection and inflammation, leading to mucosal epithelium breakdown, excess mucus, and tissue fibrosis.

Emphysema

A progressive lung disease caused by smoking or lack of alpha1-antitrypsin protein, resulting in proteolytic destruction of alveolar walls, trapped air, enlarged alveoli, and inadequate gas exchange.

Asthma

An inflammatory disorder of the airway walls triggered by stress, allergens, and pollutants, leading to bronchial edema, airway constriction, excess mucus production, wheezing, coughing, and dyspnea.

Epinephrine

A nonselective sympathomimetic acting on alpha1, beta1, and beta2 receptors, administered subcutaneously as a first-line treatment for acute bronchospasm due to anaphylaxis.

Albuterol

A selective beta2-adrenergic agonist used to treat asthma by inducing bronchodilation; high doses or overuse can stimulate beta1 receptors, causing nervousness, tremors, and increased pulse rate.

Metaproterenol

A beta2-adrenergic agonist with minor beta1 effects administered orally or via MDI/nebulizer for long-term asthma treatment.

Tiotropium

An anticholinergic drug used for maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with COPD, administered exclusively via inhalation using the HandiHaler dry-powder capsule device.

Ipratropium Bromide

An anticholinergic bronchodilator administered by MDI for asthma; often combined with albuterol sulfate for enhanced efficacy and duration in managing COPD.

Theophylline

A methylxanthine bronchodilator with a narrow therapeutic range of $5-15\text{ mcg/mL}$ (toxicity above $20\text{ mcg/mL}$); its half-life is shortened in smokers ($4-5\text{ hours}$) compared to nonsmokers ($6.5-10.5\text{ hours}$).

Leukotriene Modifiers

Drugs (such as zafirlukast, montelukast, and zileuton) used for prophylactic and maintenance therapy of chronic and exercise-induced asthma by reducing inflammation and bronchoconstriction.

Cromolyn Sodium

A mast cell stabilizer taken daily for prophylactic treatment of bronchial asthma by inhibiting histamine release; must not be discontinued abruptly to avoid rebound bronchospasm.

Mucolytics

Agents such as acetylcysteine that act as detergents to liquefy and loosen thick mucous secretions for expectoration; administered via nebulization.