Pharmacology: Respiratory Drugs

Nexus Nursing・2 minutes read

The respiratory tract is divided into upper and lower sections, with ventilation controlled by the CNS and involving the diaphragm and intercostals. Conditions like asthma, COPD, and pneumonia affect the lungs, requiring treatments like deep breathing exercises, oxygen delivery, and drug interventions to manage symptoms.

Insights

  • Ventilation in the respiratory system is controlled by the CNS, involving muscles like the diaphragm and intercostals, distinct from respiration at the alveolar level.
  • Surfactant in fetal lungs is crucial for expansion, as its deficiency can lead to respiratory distress syndrome, hindering gas exchange and air intake.

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Recent questions

  • What are the key components of the upper respiratory tract?

    The upper respiratory tract consists of the nose, pharynx, larynx, and trachea. These structures play a crucial role in the initial stages of breathing and oxygen intake.

  • How is ventilation controlled in the respiratory system?

    Ventilation is controlled by the central nervous system (CNS) and involves the diaphragm, intercostal muscles, and abdominal muscles. The brain sends signals to regulate breathing, distinguishing it from the process of respiration.

  • What are some common conditions affecting the upper respiratory tract?

    Common conditions affecting the upper respiratory tract include the common cold, seasonal rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, and atelectasis. These conditions can result from various factors such as infections, allergens, and structural issues.

  • Why is surfactant important for fetal lung development?

    Surfactant is essential for fetal lung expansion as it lowers surface tension in the alveoli, allowing for proper gas exchange. Lack of surfactant can lead to respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants due to difficulties in lung expansion and air intake.

  • How do antihistamines affect the respiratory system?

    Antihistamines work by blocking the release of histamine, which can narrow airways and cause respiratory symptoms. These medications are commonly used to manage allergies and allergic reactions that affect the respiratory tract.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Respiratory System Overview and Common Conditions

  • Key terms to highlight: alveoli, asthma, atelectasis, COPD, cystic fibrosis, larynx, pneumonia, pneumothorax, seasonal rhinitis, sinusitis, surfactant
  • Upper respiratory tract: involves nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea; ventilation aids efficient oxygen movement; goblet cells produce mucus to trap foreign substances; cilia direct mucus downwards.
  • Lower respiratory tract: includes bronchial tree, bronchioles, alveoli for gas exchange; oxygen transfer, carbon dioxide loss in alveoli; respiration at alveolar level.
  • Ventilation: controlled by CNS, involves diaphragm, intercostals, abdominal muscles; brain signals breathing; distinguishes from respiration.
  • Upper respiratory tract conditions: common cold caused by viruses, triggers histamine release; seasonal rhinitis due to specific antigens; sinusitis inflammation in sinus cavities; pharyngitis, laryngitis infections; atelectasis as alveolar collapse risk.
  • Treatment for atelectasis: clear airways, deliver oxygen, assist ventilation; emphasize prevention through deep breathing exercises; chest tube insertion for pneumothorax.
  • Pneumonia: lung inflammation from bacterial/viral invasion or aspiration; bronchitis from infections in bronchi; bronchioectasis involves chronic bronchial dilation, inflammation.
  • Obstructive pulmonary diseases: asthma, cystic fibrosis, COPD, respiratory distress syndrome; asthma reversible, triggered by allergens, irritants, emotions; COPD progressive, linked to cigarette smoking.
  • COPD diagnosis: spirometry test measures air volumes and flow rates; cystic fibrosis hereditary, thick mucus accumulation in organs; respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants due to low surfactant levels.

21:08

"Respiratory System Essentials: Surfactant, Alveoli, Drugs"

  • Fetal lungs need surfactant for expansion; lack of surfactant leads to respiratory distress syndrome.
  • Surfactant lowers surface tension in alveoli, allowing gas exchange; low levels hinder expansion and air intake.
  • Lung components include filtering hairs, mucus-producing goblet cells, and cilia moving trapped material.
  • Alveoli are sites for gas exchange; alveolar sacs facilitate this process.
  • Key terms for drugs affecting the respiratory tract include antihistamines, antitussives, decongestants, expectorants, and mucolytics.
  • Antihistamines block histamine release, narrowing airways; antitussives suppress cough reflex.
  • Decongestants reduce upper respiratory tract blood flow and secretion overproduction.
  • Rebound congestion can occur with decongestant overuse, leading to worsened symptoms.
  • Topical nasal decongestants cause vasoconstriction; oral decongestants alleviate nasal congestion.
  • Nursing considerations for decongestants involve assessing allergies, contraindications, and vital signs; monitor for adverse effects and drug interactions.

42:03

Managing Adverse Effects of Decongestant Medications

  • Urinary retention is an adverse effect of the drug, caution is advised for patients with prostate problems due to the prostate's impact on bladder function.
  • Monitoring nasal mucous membranes for lesions is crucial to prevent systemic absorption of the medication, especially if cuts or erosions are present.
  • Patient education on proper drug administration is essential, including clearing nasal passages, tilting the head back during application, and not exceeding five days of use to avoid rebound congestion.
  • Safety measures for dizziness include avoiding heavy machinery, implementing fall precautions, using a humidifier, increasing fluid intake, maintaining a cooling environment, and avoiding smoke-filled areas.
  • Administering nasal medications requires periodic checks for lesions to prevent systemic absorption, with specific instructions for nasal sprays and patient positioning.
  • Oral decongestants, like pseudoephedrine, shrink nasal mucous membranes by stimulating alpha adrenergic receptors, caution is advised for patients with conditions sensitive to sympathetic activity.
  • Adverse effects of oral decongestants include rebound congestion and sympathomimetic effects like anxiety, hypertension, tremors, and sweating, with potential symptoms resembling hyperthyroidism.
  • Drug interactions with pseudoephedrine are common in over-the-counter cold and flu remedies, caution is advised to prevent inadvertent overdose and adverse effects.
  • Nursing considerations for oral decongestants involve assessing for allergies, contraindications, and monitoring cardiac responses, with patient education on label reading and avoiding prolonged use.
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