Medications Affecting the Respiratory System and IV Therapy Calculations

Vocabulary flashcards detailing respiratory drug classifications, specific inhaler devices, upper respiratory medications and their adverse effects, and intravenous fluid flow rate and drip rate calculations.

Beta Adrenergic Medications

A class of respiratory medications characterized by generic names ending in the suffix '-erol'.

Inhaled Anticholinergics

A class of bronchodilating medications that includes ipratropium and tiotropium, administered in short-acting or long-acting formulations.

Glucocorticoids (Respiratory)

Anti-inflammatory medications characterized by generic names ending in the suffix '-sone', administered via oral or inhaled routes and available in combination inhalers.

Salbutamol

A short-acting metered dose inhaler (MDI) used as a reliever during an attack to relieve symptoms; common adverse effects include tachycardia and tremor, and it may be used with a spacer.

Steroid Preventer Inhaler

An inhaled corticosteroid taken regularly morning and night to prevent attacks; potential adverse effects include dry mouth, hoarse voice, and thrush.

Dry Powder / Breath-Activated Inhaler (DPI)

Inhalers (such as Accuhaler, Turbohaler, Clickhaler, Easi-Breathe, and Autohaler) activated by clicking or opening, exhaling fully, sealing lips around the mouthpiece, inhaling quickly and deeply, and holding breath for $10\,\text{seconds}$; cannot be used with a spacer and not suitable for children under $6\,\text{years}$ of age.

Spacer

An add-on chamber device that may be attached to a metered dose inhaler (Evohaler) to facilitate delivery, but cannot be used with dry powder or breath-activated inhalers.

Nebulizer

A device that converts liquid medication into an aerosol mist to be inhaled through a mask or mouthpiece.

Duoneb

A combination inhalation solution for nebulization composed of the anticholinergic ipratropium and the beta-adrenergic agonist albuterol.

HandiHaler

A breath-activated dry powder inhaler device designed for inhaling the powdered medication contained within Spiriva (tiotropium $18\,\text{mcg}$) hard capsules.

Codeine

An upper respiratory medication whose noted adverse effects include central nervous system (CNS) sedation, gastrointestinal (GI) effects, and abuse potential.

Dextromethorphan

An upper respiratory antitussive medication whose adverse effects include nausea, dizziness, sedation, euphoria, and abuse.

Guaifenesin

An upper respiratory expectorant medication associated with adverse effects of gastrointestinal (GI) effects, drowsiness, and dizziness.

Acetylcysteine

A respiratory medication associated with adverse effects including aspiration, bronchospasm, dizziness, drowsiness, hypotension, tachycardia, and hepatotoxicity.

Phenylephrine

An upper respiratory decongestant with vasoconstrictive properties; adverse effects include rebound congestion, central nervous system (CNS) stimulation, and vasoconstriction.

Total IV Fluid Calculation

The formula used to determine total volume infused over time: $\text{Rate} \times \text{hours} = \text{Total Volume}$ (for example, $100\,\text{mL/hr} \times 8\,\text{hours} = 800\,\text{mL}$).

IV Flow Rate

The rate programmed into an electronic infusion pump in $\text{mL/hr}$, calculated by dividing the total volume of fluid by the duration of infusion in hours and typically rounded to the tenth or whole number.

Manual IV Drip Rate

The rate of gravity-delivered IV fluid infusion without a pump, measured by counting drops per minute ($\text{gtt/min}$) and rounded to the nearest whole number.

Drop Factor

The delivery calibration of specialized manual IV tubing indicating the number of drops delivered per milliliter, commonly available as $10$, $15$, $20$, or $60\,\text{gtt/mL}$.

Nebulizer Administration Protocol

The process of placing the prescribed dose into the medicine cup, attaching the mouthpiece or mask, breathing normally through the mouth during treatment, and cleaning the cup and mask/mouthpiece with soap and water after use.