WITH COMPLETE ANSWERS
BRONCHODILATORS -Answer--Cause relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle
-NO effect on inflammation
1. Short-Acting Beta2 Agonists:
Tx of acute asthma attack
Albuterol (Proventil)
2. Long-Acting Beta2 Agonists:
Long-term prevention of asthma
Salmeterol and formoterol
3. Anticholinergics:
Tx of acute asthma attack
Ipratropium (Atrovent)
Beta2 agonists:
What do they do?
Two types -Answer-Bind to the beta2 adrenergic receptors and cause an increase in
smooth muscle relaxation.
Short acting beta2 agonists (SABAs) and long acting beta2 agonists
Short-acting beta2 agonists vs. long-acting beta2 agonists
Used for?
Examples? -Answer-Short acting beta2 agonists (SABAs) provide rapid but short-term
relief. Used for acute asthma attacks. Ex. albuterol, levalbuterol
Long acting beta2 agonists (LABAs) take time to take effect but the effects are longer.
Used for asthma attack prevention. Ex. formoterol and salmeterol
Anticholinergics:
What do they do?
Used for?
Examples? -Answer-Block the parasympathetic nervous system
Used to relieve and to prevent asthma
Ex. ipratropium (atrovent), tiotropium (spiriva)
Xanthines:
Used for?
Examples? -Answer-Used only when other types of management are ineffective.
Ex. theophylline and aminophylline
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AGENTS -Answer--Cause reduction in inflammation
-NO effect on bronchodilation
1. Corticosteroids:
,Long-term prevention of asthma
Prednisone (Deltasone, Predone), Fluticasone (Flovent)
2. Cromones:
Long-term prevention of asthma
Nedocromil
3. Leukotriene Modifier:
Long-term prevention of asthma
Montekulast (Singulair)
Corticosteroids:
What do they do?
Used for?
Examples? -Answer-Decrease inflammation
Used to prevent an asthma attack
Ex. fluticasone (flovent), prednisone (deltasone, predone)
Cromones:
What do they do?
Used for?
Example? -Answer-Decrease inflammation
Used to prevent an asthma attack
Ex. nedocromil
Leukotriene modifier:
What do they do?
Used for?
Example? -Answer-Decrease inflammation by blocking leukotriene receptor
Used to prevent an asthma attack
Ex. montelukast (singulair)
Asthma Management:
1st line ongoing Rx
1st line for asthma attack -Answer-Inhaled corticosteroid
Short acting inhaled beta2 agonist
Asthma special concerns:
Surgery
Drugs to avoid
Highest asthma related deaths population -Answer-Increased surgery risk from
intubation
ASA and NSAID
55+
ASTHMA MEDICATIONS:
Control vs. relief -Answer-1. Long Term Control Medications are used to prevention of
asthma attacks:
, -Long-Acting Beta Agonists, i.e. Salmeterol, Formoterol
-Corticosteroids, i.e. Fluticasone (Flovent), Prednisone (Deltasone, Predone)
-Cromones, i.e. Nedocromil
-Leukotriene Modifiers, i.e. Montekulast (Singulair)
2. Quick Relief Medications are used as needed for rapid, short-term symptom relief
during an asthma attack:
-Short-Acting Beta Agonists, i.e. Albuterol (Proventil)
-Anticholinergics, i.e. Ipratropium (Atrovent)
Acute Severe Asthma Therapy:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6. -Answer-1. Short acting beta2 agonists (SABA) inhalers
2. O2 therapy to keep SpO2 >90%
3. Anticholinergics for more bronchodilatioin
4. Corticosteroids within 1st hr in ER
5. Heliox (helium and O2) to help carry bronchodilators deeper into lungs - used if
condition does not improve within 1 hr of Rx
6. Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation; AVOID intubation
TYPES OF INHALERS: -Answer-1. Aerosol vs. Dry powder
2. Metered dose inhaler or MDI (indicates # of doses left in inhaler) vs. non-MDI
*Preferred method of administration is using a spacer, which increases the amount of
medication delivered to the lungs.
COPD:
Characterized by
Risk factors -Answer-Airflow limitation that is not fully reversible
Cigarette smoking, occupational dust and chemicals, environmental tobacco smoke,
and indoor/outdoor air pollution
COPD S/S -Answer-Increase in anterior/posterior diameter (barrel chest)
Use of accessory muscles
SOB
ABG changes --> hypoxemia and hypercapnia
Decrease in breath sounds, rales, expiratory wheezes
Frequent pulmonary infections
Unplanned weight loss
Physical exam findings for COPD -Answer-Tachypnea
Tachycardia
Hypoxia
Dyspnea w/ speaking/eating