SABAs
When are SABAs used and why?
Fast acting rescue drug used during an asthma attack, mild COPD or cystic fibrosis
bind to B2 = smooth muscle relaxation = bronchodilation
When are LABAs used and why?
Long-term management of asthma and COPD for bronchodialation (decresed frequency of asthma attacks and prevention of exercise induced asthma)
bind to B2 = smooth muscle relaxation = bronchodialation
When are anticholinergics used and why?
Mainly used for COPD to aid in bronchodialation and decrease pulmonary secretions
block PNS = smooth muscle relaxation = bronchodialation
When are methylxanthines used and why?
Used as an ALTERNATIVE for long-term management of asthma and COPD NOT as first line Tx
CNS stimulant = increased respiratory drive
mild anti-inflamm. = bronchodialator
When are anti-inflammatory drugs used and why?
Prevent manifestations of asthma and COPD by decreasing the inflammatory and immune responses
What are examples of SABA medications?
(name 2)
albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin)
levalbuterol (Xopenex)
What are examples of LABA medications?
(name at least 2)
salmeterol (Serevent),
formoterol (Foradil)
indacaterol for COPD (Arcapta)
What are examples of anticholinergic medications?
(name at least 2)
ipratropium (Atrovent) short act.
tiotropium (Spiriva) long acting
Aclidinium (Tudorza) long acting
What are examples of methylxanthine medications?
(name at least 2)
Aminophylline, theophylline
(Theo-Dur, Theolair)
What are examples of anti-inflammatory medications?
(name at least 2, specify method of delivery)
Inhaled Corticosteroids
fluticasone (Flovent),
budesonide (Pulmicort)
Oral/IV Corticosteroids
Prednisone,
hydrocortisone (Solu-cortef)
Methylprednisolone (Solu- Medrol)
What should the nurse assess when administering SABAs?
(name at least 3)
Lung sounds, RR, HR, BP, O2, appropriate method of admin, sputum (color, amount, character)
What should the nurse assess when administering LABAs?
(name at least 3)
Lung sounds, RR, HR, BP, O2
What should the nurse assess when administering anticholinergics?
(name at least 3)
Lung sounds, degree of dyspnea before admin and at peak, atropine allergy, appropriate method of admin (MDI)
What should the nurse assess when administering methylxanthines?
(name at least 3)
Lung sounds, BP, HR, use of accessory muscles, ECG changes, CVD Hx
What should the nurse assess when administering corticosteroids?
(name at least 3)
Lung sounds, s/s local infections (yeast), glucose levels, fluid/electrolyte balance, bone health, GI issues
What are the side effects of SABAs?
(name at least 3)
nervousnes, restlessness, tremors, insomnia, chest pain, palpitations, elevated BP/HR
What are the side effects of LABAs?
(name at least 3)
headache, nervousness, palpitations, tachycardia, cough, bronchospasm, hypersensitivity: rash/face swelling
What are the side effects of anticholinergics?
(name at least 3)
dry mouth, thirst, dizziness, headache, nervousness, blurred vision,
What are the side effects of methylxanthines?
(name at least 3)
nausea, headache, insomnia, GI distress, tachycardia, seizures, arrhythmias
What are the side effects of corticosteroids?
(name at least 3)
throat irritation, dry cough, oropharyngeal fungal infections, nasal stuffiness, sinusitis, hyperglycemia, weight gain, increased r/f infection, osetoporosis
What are some nursing interventions / pt teachings when administering SABAs?
(name at least 3)
raise HOB, allow 1 min between inhalations, prime inhaler before use, use spacer for children, admin 5 min ā other inhaled drugs, teach to carry at all times, avoid too frequent use, teach pt to monitor HR
What are some nursing interventions / pt teachings when administering LABAs?
(name at least 3)
correct technique for use (MDI, DPI), use within 6 weeks once opened, never exhale into discus, keep mouthpiece dry, used for maintenance NOT acute attacks
What are some nursing interventions / pt teachings when administering anticholinergics?
(name at least 3)
drink at least 4L/day, correct use/technique (MDI), emphasize "dry" symptoms, teach to take at least 5 min after admin of SABA, used for maintenance NOT for acute attacks, do NOT stop meds without speaking to HCP
What are some nursing interventions / pt teachings when administering methylxanthines?
(name at least 3)
routinely monitor drug levels, check for s/s of toxicity (anorexia, N/V/D, confusion), admin "around-the-clock", loading dose, avoid caffeine
What are some nursing interventions / pt teachings when administering corticosteroids?
(name at least 3)
slow onset of action, continue daily use even when no symptoms present, oral hygiene, admin 5 min after bronchodialator, use of spacer, discontinue IV slowly, oral dose in AM (with food)