NUR 2474 Pharmacology for Professional Nursing

Exam 2 Review

Inhaler education- how to use, how many puffs, glucocorticoids (steroids)

• Depress the inhaler and breathe in

• Hold that in for as long as they can

• Wait about 1min between 1st and 2nd puff

• If 2 inhalers are being used, use the bronchodilator 1st

• Complete the puffs from the 1st inhaler before using the 2nd one

● 1-2 puffs.

● Rinse mouth after using glucocorticoids inhalers (Fluticasone, Prednisone,

Beclomethasone)

● Steroids are the most effective meds for long-term control of airway inflammation

Asthma rescue medications

Ex: Beta-2 Agonists - Albuterol / Salmeterol- Bronchodilators

• Rescue inhalers, use 1st

• Opens airways, increase HR and BP

• Causes constipation, urinary retention

• Albuterol (short acting) / Salmeterol (long acting)

Anticholinergic education

Ex: Ipratropium Bromide

• Dry mouth

• Urinary retention

• High BP

● high heart rate

● thirsty

• Stops the parasympathetic nervous system

• Used as preventive or secondary (maintenance) inhaler

Over-the-counter product education (Cough meds)

• Read labels

• Risk for overdose, most meds have the same components

• Avoid meds that treat multiple symptoms / problems