ANATOMY
Name the parts of the respiratory system:
Nose
Pharynx
Larynx
Trachea
Bronchi
Bronchioles
Alveola
What is the oxygen percentage of room air?:
21%
Do Anitusiives work peripherally or on the central nervous system?:
Mechanism of Action: Work directly on the central nervous system cough center to suppress cough.
Name the hree goals of treatment for respiratory patients:
Dilate airways (Bronchodilators)
Decrease inflammation (Corticosteroids, mast cell stabilizers, leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA)
Decrease Respiratory secretions (anticholinergics)
What are MAST CELLS?
WHERE ARE THEY LOCATED?
WHAT INFLAMMATORY CHEMICALS DO THEY RELEASE?
Inflammatory and Allergic Responses: Mast cells are most famous for their role in allergies. When exposed to an allergen, antibodies (IgE) bind to the mast cell, triggering a process called degranulation. This releases pre-formed chemicals—like histamine —which dilates blood vessels, increases tissue permeability, and causes smooth muscle contraction (e.g., in the airways during asthma), and Leukotrienes: Cause airway constriction and shortness of breath.
Oxygen and carbon‐dioxide are exchanged from the blood circulation through the walls of the_______?
Alveoli
Oxygen is used to treat respiratory diseases/disorders. Name 4:
Asthma
Empyhsema
Pneumonia
Chronic Bronchitis
Name an opioid narcotic and nonnarcotic antitussive medication:
Codeine (narcotic)
Dextromethorphan (nonnarcotic codeine analogue)
True or False: Texas Medication aide may administer MDI and DPI
Long‐term care SNFs CMA’s may not administer metered dose inhalers. However may only administer in assisted living.
Advair Discus is an example of synergy, as it combines 2 drugs to achieve a greater therapeutic effect.
Name the 2 drugs in Advair Discus and the mechanism of action of each drug:
Advair Disksu combines two active ingredients to treat asthma and COPD: f
Fluticasone propionate, an inhaled corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the lungs.
Salmeterol xinafoate, a long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) that relaxes airway muscles to keep breathing passages open.
The_______lung Has_____lobes and the_____lungs has 2 lobes:
Right - 3 lobes
Left - 2 lobes
Symtoms of oxygen toxicity include?:
May include drowsiness, confusion, and respiratory depression (dangerously slowed breathing).
Benzonatate (Tessalon Pearles) is a peripherally acting antitussive. What is its mechanism of action?:
Suppresses cough by acting primarily as a peripheral local anesthetic. It desensitizes the stretch receptors in the lungs, airways, and pleura. By reducing their sensitivity, it inhibits the transmission of cough reflex impulses to the brain's medulla, calming the urge to cough. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Albuterol is a SABA and is used as a bronchodilator.
What does SABA stand for and what receptor does is target?:
Short acting beta 2 Agonist>
Beta 2 adrenergic receptors on the surface of the bronchiole smooth muscles.
Beta 2 Agonist
What is the BLACK BOX WARNING FOR MONTULEKAST (SINGULAIR):
The FDA issued a strict "black box warning" (boxed warning) for Singulair (montelukast) due to the risk of serious neuropsychiatric events. Reported mental health side effects include suicidal thoughts and actions, depression, aggression, hallucinations, insomnia, and severe anxiety.
Singulair should not be the first-choice treatment for mild allergic rhinitis (hay fever). It is specifically meant for patients who do not respond to or cannot tolerate alternative therapies.
Tiny, hair-like structures on the outside of cells that help move things or sense signals.
They beat together in a wave to push fluids or mucus along.
CILIA
Minor changes in serum levels of this gas are detected by chemoreceptors. These changes drive respiratory rate and depth in healthy individuals. What is this gas and where are the chemoreceptors located?:
Co2 (carbon dioxide)
Common side effects of opioid ANTITUSSIVES include?:
GI effects (Constipation)
Drowsiness
Dizziness
What does LABA stand for? What are LABAs used for?
Name a LABA
LABAs (Long-Acting Beta-Agonists) are maintenance bronchodilators that relax airway muscles for 12 to 24 hours to prevent asthma and COPD symptoms. They do not provide quick relief for acute attacks.
Salmeterol
Beta 2 Agonist, like Albuterol, cause a shift of this mineral from the blood stream to inside the cells. The resultant hypokalemia can result in cardiac arrhythmias
Potassium
Beta-2 agonists cause hypokalemia by stimulating the Na⁺ / K⁺ -ATPase pumps in skeletal muscle. This activation drives extracellular potassium into the cells. While the total body potassium remains unchanged, the shift drops serum potassium levels, which can lead to cardiac arrhythmias if not monitored. [1, 2, 3]
The smallest of the airways that terminate with alveoli air sacs
Bronchioles
What is the hypoxic drive
A physiological mechanism where the body relies on low blood oxygen levels (hypoxia) rather than high carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia) to trigger breathing. It is a compensatory response, historically associated with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). [1, 2]
A dry, nonproductive cough is a side effect of this class of antihypertensive drug:
ACE INHIBITORS
Tremors,
Tachycardia
Nervousness. [1, 2]
Potential side effects of inhaled steroids include:
Steroid inhalers mainly cause localized issues like oral thrush, sore throat, and hoarseness. You can easily prevent these by gargling and rinsing your mouth with water after every use. High-dose, long-term use can rarely cause systemic effects like reduced bone density or adrenal suppression.
Because inhaled corticosteroids target the lungs directly, they bypass the widespread side effects linked to steroid pills.
To minimize your risk, always use a spacer device if prescribed, and thoroughly rinse and spit out the water after each puff.