Respiratory System

In the United States, 12 million people suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, n.d.), and about 25 million people suffer from asthma (CDC, 2011). Since various symptoms are associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and other common respiratory disorders, a single patient might be prescribed multiple drugs for treatment. Consider an 8-year-old asthmatic patient who frequently presents with acute asthma exacerbations that are triggered by seasonal allergies. As a result of his disorder, he might be prescribed albuterol to treat asthma attacks and Clarinex to treat allergic reactions. This requires you, as the advanced practice nurse, to be aware of risks of poly pharmacy and patient factors that impact the effects of drugs.

This week you examine types of drugs prescribed to patients with respiratory disorders, as well as the impact of patient factors on the effects of drugs. You also explore ways to improve patient treatment plans including suggested drug therapies. Finally, you examine asthma treatment and management.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this week, students will:

• Analyze types of drugs prescribed to treat respiratory disorders
• Evaluate the impact of patient factors on the effects of prescribed drugs for respiratory disorders
• Evaluate drug therapy plans for respiratory disorders
• Assess the impact of asthma treatments on patients
• Analyze the stepwise approach to asthma treatment and management
• Understand and apply key terms, concepts, and principles related to prescribing drugs to treat respiratory disorders

Learning Resources

This page contains the Learning Resources for this week. Be sure to scroll down the page to see all of this week's assigned Learning Resources. To access select media resources, please use the media player below.

Required Readings

Arcangelo, V. P., & Peterson, A. M. (Eds.). (2013). Pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice: A practical approach (3rd ed.). Ambler, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Chapter 18, "Otitis Media and Otitis Externa" (pp. 217-227)

This chapter compares the causes and pathophysiology of two common ear infections-otitis media and otitis externa. It also identifies types of drugs used to treat these ear infections.

Chapter 24, "Upper Respiratory Infections" (pp. 332-345)

This chapter explores the causes, pathophysiology, and diagnostic criteria of two upper respiratory infections-the common cold and sinusitis-as well as drug therapy for both infections. It also covers monitoring patient response and patient education of drug therapy for these infections.

Chapter 25, "Asthma" (pp. 346-364)

This chapter examines the causes, pathophysiology, pharmacogenomics, and diagnostic criteria of asthma. It also outlines suggested drug therapy plans for asthmatic patients.

Chapter 26, "Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease" (pp. 366-374)

This chapter explains the causes and pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It also examines the process of selecting, administering, and managing drug therapy for COPD patients.

Chapter 27, "Bronchitis and Pneumonia" (pp. 375-390)

This chapter begins by examining the causes, pathophysiology, and diagnostic criteria of acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, and community-acquired pneumonia. It then explores the process of selecting, administering, and managing drug therapy for patients with bronchitis and pneumonia.

Drugs.com. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.drugs.com/

This website presents a comprehensive review of prescription and over-the-counter drugs including information on common uses and potential side effects. It also provides updates relating to new drugs on the market, support from health professionals, and a drug-drug interactions checker.

National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. (2007). Expert panel report 3 (EPR3): Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma. Retrieved from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma/asthgdln.htm

This website presents guidelines for diagnosing and managing asthma and outlines treatment recommendations for specific age groups.

Discussion: Pharmacotherapy for Respiratory Disorders

To the untrained ear, most coughs sound the same. However, as you might recall from past clinical experiences, a simple cough can lead to a patient diagnosis of a common cold, pneumonia, or even a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although it can sometimes be challenging to diagnose a patient based on common respiratory symptoms such as congestion, coughing, and wheezing, it is important to be able to distinguish minor differences as even mild symptoms might require intervention with drug treatments. When recommending potential treatment options, advanced practice nurses must consider how individual patient factors might impact the effects of prescribed drugs.

ASSIGNMENT

• Review Chapter 26 and Chapter 27 of the Arcangelo and Peterson text.
• Select and research one of the following respiratory disorders: the common cold, pneumonia, or a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Consider types of drugs that would be prescribed to patients to treat symptoms associated with this disorder.
• Select one of the following factors: genetics, gender, ethnicity, age, or behavior. Reflect on how this factor might impact effects of prescribed drugs, as well as any measures you might take to help reduce negative side effects.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post a description of the respiratory disorder you selected including types of drugs that would be prescribed to patients to treat associated symptoms. Then, explain how the factor you selected might impact effects of prescribed drugs, as well as any measures you might take to help reduce negative side effects.

Read a selection of your colleagues' responses and respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days who selected a different respiratory disorder than you did. If the disorder you selected is primarily associated with the upper respiratory system, respond to colleagues who selected disorders primarily associated with the lower respiratory system. Provide alternative recommendations for drug treatments.