PC707-Module
6-Respiratory & ENT
(2026 Expert-Verified Final
Exam Q & A )
Latest Updated Version
(A+ Guaranteed )
, What is the treatment goal for upper respiratory infections? -symptom relief
-if a medication is needed--prescribe a SINGLE medication to target the most
bothersome symptom*
-consider cost, risk versus benefits, efficacy
What medications can be used in the symptom -anti-histamines
management of upper respiratory infections? -nasal decongestants
-anti-tussives
-expectorants
-saline spray/drops
How are anti-histamines helpful in symptom management -the anti-cholinergic SIDE EFFECTS can be helpful
for upper respiratory infections? --->dry mucous membranes, decrease secretions etc.
What is the mechanism of action for anti-histamines? -competitively binds to H1 receptors to prevent binding of histamine and therefore
no histamine effects*
-does NOT prevent actual histamine release--just histamine binding*
-onset within 15-30 minutes
What are the major side effects of anti-histamines? -anti-cholinergic effects--->
-dizziness, hypotension, dry mouth, drowsiness, constipation, blurry vision,
decreased appetite, urinary retention etc.
-this is because antihistamines cross bind to block cholinergic receptors*
Which generation of anti-histamines are the most -1st generation--such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
sedating? Why? -they are more lipophilic--so they easily cross the BBB to cause slower neuronal
firing & decreased production of neurotransmitters*
Which 2nd generation anti-histamine is the most sedating? -cetirizine (Zyrtec)
-most other ones cause little sedation because they work more peripherally*
Which 2nd generation anti-histamine has several drug to -fexofenadine (Allegra)
drug interactions: --->interactions with anti-fungals (azoles), erythromycin, etc.
Concern with long-term use of 1st generation anti- -long term anti-cholinergic effects
histamines? -increases risk of developing dementia*
What is the mechanism of action for nasal decongestants? -acts on adrenergic alpha-1 receptors to cause vasoconstriction, decreased
inflammation, decreased blood flow & fluid exudate
-causes vasoconstriction of the nasal mucosa vessels (which are usually dilated
from histamine effects)*
Nasal decongestants have great efficacy. True or false? -false
-little proven efficacy
-limited evidence
What is important to remember about OTC -they often contain other agents such as anti-histamines, caffeine, pain relievers
decongestants? -need to educate patients about potential drug interactions or contraindications for
use*
What is the primary difference between OTC & prescription -dosing frequency
decongestants?
Why should nasal decongestants only be used for 3 days -can develop rhinitis medicamentosa (rebound congestion)
or less?
2026
6-Respiratory & ENT
(2026 Expert-Verified Final
Exam Q & A )
Latest Updated Version
(A+ Guaranteed )
, What is the treatment goal for upper respiratory infections? -symptom relief
-if a medication is needed--prescribe a SINGLE medication to target the most
bothersome symptom*
-consider cost, risk versus benefits, efficacy
What medications can be used in the symptom -anti-histamines
management of upper respiratory infections? -nasal decongestants
-anti-tussives
-expectorants
-saline spray/drops
How are anti-histamines helpful in symptom management -the anti-cholinergic SIDE EFFECTS can be helpful
for upper respiratory infections? --->dry mucous membranes, decrease secretions etc.
What is the mechanism of action for anti-histamines? -competitively binds to H1 receptors to prevent binding of histamine and therefore
no histamine effects*
-does NOT prevent actual histamine release--just histamine binding*
-onset within 15-30 minutes
What are the major side effects of anti-histamines? -anti-cholinergic effects--->
-dizziness, hypotension, dry mouth, drowsiness, constipation, blurry vision,
decreased appetite, urinary retention etc.
-this is because antihistamines cross bind to block cholinergic receptors*
Which generation of anti-histamines are the most -1st generation--such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
sedating? Why? -they are more lipophilic--so they easily cross the BBB to cause slower neuronal
firing & decreased production of neurotransmitters*
Which 2nd generation anti-histamine is the most sedating? -cetirizine (Zyrtec)
-most other ones cause little sedation because they work more peripherally*
Which 2nd generation anti-histamine has several drug to -fexofenadine (Allegra)
drug interactions: --->interactions with anti-fungals (azoles), erythromycin, etc.
Concern with long-term use of 1st generation anti- -long term anti-cholinergic effects
histamines? -increases risk of developing dementia*
What is the mechanism of action for nasal decongestants? -acts on adrenergic alpha-1 receptors to cause vasoconstriction, decreased
inflammation, decreased blood flow & fluid exudate
-causes vasoconstriction of the nasal mucosa vessels (which are usually dilated
from histamine effects)*
Nasal decongestants have great efficacy. True or false? -false
-little proven efficacy
-limited evidence
What is important to remember about OTC -they often contain other agents such as anti-histamines, caffeine, pain relievers
decongestants? -need to educate patients about potential drug interactions or contraindications for
use*
What is the primary difference between OTC & prescription -dosing frequency
decongestants?
Why should nasal decongestants only be used for 3 days -can develop rhinitis medicamentosa (rebound congestion)
or less?
2026
