Respiratory Care and Aerosol Therapy Kopp Overview

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts from the respiratory care lecture, focusing on medications, devices used for aerosol therapy, and relevant guidelines.

AARC

American Association of Respiratory Care; the national organization that publishes clinical practice guidelines.

CDC

Center for Disease Control; monitors disease outbreaks.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

A genetic disorder that affects the lungs, leading to severe respiratory problems.

DPI

Dry Powder Inhaler; a device that delivers medication in a powdered form.

Spiriva

An anticholinergic medication used to treat COPD, delivered via a dry powder inhaler.

Anticholinergic

A class of drugs that block the action of acetylcholine in the parasympathetic nervous system.

HFA

Hydrofluoroalkane; a propellant used in inhalers that replaced chlorofluorocarbons.

Pressurized Meter Dose Inhaler (pMDI)

A device that uses a propellant to deliver a specific dose of medication in mist form.

SPAG (Small Particle Aerosol Generator)

A device used to deliver aerosolized medication, specifically for antiviral drugs like ribavirin.

Small Volume Nebulizer (SVN)

A device used to deliver medication in aerosol form directly to the lungs.

Valve Holding Chamber

A device, also known as a spacer, that allows for better inhalation of mDI medication.

Mean Aerodynamic Diameter (MAD)

The optimal particle size range (1-5 microns) for effective aerosol drug delivery to the lower airways.

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)

Replacement propellants for inhalers that do not harm the ozone layer.

Albuterol

A short-acting beta-agonist used as a rescue medication for asthma and COPD.

Ipratropium (Atrovent)

An anticholinergic medication often used in combination with albuterol.

Levabuterol (Zopanex)

A beta-2 agonist used as an alternative to albuterol for patients with side effects.

Combination Inhalers

Devices that combine a bronchodilator with a steroid to manage chronic respiratory conditions.

Mucomyst (Acetylcysteine)

A mucoactive agent used to thin mucus in patients with thick secretions.

Corticosteroids

Anti-inflammatory medications used to reduce airway inflammation in respiratory diseases.

Hyperosmolar Saline

A concentrated saline solution used to induce sputum production.

Dupixent

A biologic medication used to treat certain severe asthma cases.

Continuous Aerosol Therapy

A method of delivering aerosolized medication continuously to patients with severe respiratory distress.

Nebulization

The process of converting liquid medication into an aerosol mist for inhalation.

Beta Blockers

Medications that can counteract the effects of bronchodilators by slowing heart rate.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

A virus that can cause serious respiratory illness in infants.