AB

Ppt #4 BPN Chapter 30

  • Drugs for Lower Respiratory Tract Diseases

    • Focus on emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma.

    • Nursing assessments critical for evaluating respiratory status.

    • Key drug classes: expectorants, antitussives, mucolytic agents

  • Lower Respiratory Tract Overview

    • Airway series end at alveolar sacs (300-500 million in human lungs).

    • Primary function: Ventilatory cycle

  • Common Conditions

    • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

    • Asthma

    • Chronic bronchitis

    • Emphysema

  • Monitoring Respiratory Health

    • Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs):

      • pH: 7.35-7.45

      • PaCO2: 35-45 mm Hg

      • PaO2: 80-100 mm Hg

      • HCO3: 24-28 mEq/L

      • SaO2: 95%

    • Spirometry: Measures lung function; significant reversibility = 15-20% improvement in FEV1 after bronchodilator.

  • Asthma

    • Inflammatory disease; categorized by severity (intermittent to severe persistent).

    • Goals: Maintain normal activity, prevent symptoms, limit short-acting beta-2 agonist use.

  • Chronic Bronchitis

    • Characterized by chronic productive cough lasting 3 months for two consecutive years.

  • Emphysema

    • Characterized by alveolar tissue destruction; presents with dyspnea, minimal cough.

  • Drug Therapy

    • Expectorants: Guaifenesin, saline solutions to reduce mucus viscosity.

    • Antitussives: Suppress cough center; appropriate for nonproductive coughs.

    • Mucolytics: Acetylcysteine to dissolve thick mucus; monitor for bronchospasm.

  • Bronchodilators

    • Beta-Adrenergic: Stimulate smooth muscle; can cause tachycardia, anxiety.

    • Anticholinergic: Long-term treatment for COPD, e.g., Ipratropium.

  • Patient Education

    • Proper inhaler use is critical (hold breath after inhalation, use spacer).

    • Encourage lifestyle changes: nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation.

  • Other Drug Classes

    • Respiratory Antiinflammatory Agents: Inhibit inflammatory responses (e.g., corticosteroids).

    • Immunomodulators: Omalizumab for allergic asthma.

    • Leukotriene Modifiers: Montelukast for asthma management.

  • Assessment Components

    • History, respiratory assessments (percussion, auscultation), patient education for medication administration.

    • Monitor for adverse effects, therapeutic response.