NUR 106 Respiratory Drugs Unit Test Ultimate Study Guide

Upper Airway

Functions primarily to humidify and filter inhaled air.

Lower Airway

Serves as the primary site where gas exchange occurs.

Asthma

A non-infectious lower respiratory airflow disorder characterized by bronchoconstriction.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, affecting airflow.

Metered Dose Inhalers (MDI)

A method of inhalation administration for respiratory medications.

Albuterol (Proventil)

A beta-adrenergic agonist used for bronchospasm treatment.

Mechanism of Action of Albuterol

Imitates the sympathetic nervous system, causing bronchodilation.

Ipratropium (Atrovent)

An anticholinergic used for maintaining treatment of bronchospasm.

Theophylline

A methylxanthine that relaxes bronchial smooth muscle by blocking phosphodiesterase.

Beclomethasone

An inhalational glucocorticoid for long-term management of asthma.

Prednisone

A systemic glucocorticoid that reduces inflammation and immune response.

Montelukast (Singulair)

A leukotriene modifier for prophylaxis of bronchial asthma.

Antitussive

An agent that suppresses or relieves coughing.

Expectorant

An agent that enhances respiratory tract fluid output.

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

A first-generation sedating antihistamine for allergic reactions.

Phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine)

A sympathomimetic that relieves nasal congestion.

Codeine

An opioid antitussive for the treatment of non-productive cough.

Dextromethorphan (Delsym)

A non-opioid antitussive that suppresses cough spasms.

Guaifenesin (Mucinex)

An expectorant that reduces mucus viscosity.

Acetylcysteine

A mucolytic that decreases the viscosity of thick mucus.