1. HS 4 Respiratory Care

2. Medicated Aerosol Therapy
Bronchodilate= to open the airway
Aerosal= does not travel through the body> inhaled in the lungs
(do not get systemic effect which can R/I N/V/D and H/A’s)
Advantages
Smaller doses of drug because inhaled directly into lungs (If oral would travel through stomach/intestines then bloodstream (where it could dilute) and finally act on the lungs)
Acts quickly= fast absorption of drug
Decreased SE
Convenient, easy, painless
Can be used at home (reducing hospital admissions)

3. Disadvantages Difficult to administer correct dosage each time
Difficult to teach pt how to use device correctly (ex- Parkinson’s)
Healthcare provider may not know how to use themself

4. Types of drugs given by aerosol
1. Nasal decongestants= contain vasoconstrictors R/I decrease blood flow to vessels of the nose (decreasing blood flow makes vessels shrink R/I nasal passages opening up and allow for air to flow more easily)
2. Bronchodilators= drugs that increase the diameter of airways of lungs
3. Antiasthmatics= reduce the allergic response (b/c allergies often trigger asthma attack)
4. Corticosteriods= used for anti-inflammatory maintenance therapy moderate to severe asthma
5. Mucolytics= breakdown secretions within the lungs; when broken down easier to cough out
6. Antimicrobials= aerosolized antibiotics

5. Aerosol Delivery System
*Must teach pt proper technique for using aerosol device to maximize amount of medication that actually gets into the lungs
Several types Available
Most frequent used is the metered dose inhaler
Contains a canister that has a pressurized gas propellant and medication = =
Show you tube video- How to use inhaler

6. To Evaluate Aerosol Therapy
Auscultate before treatment to establish baseline> note any abnormal breaths/lungs sounds
Auscultate after treatment> Clear?
Ask if pt feels better
Can they breathe easier?
Speak better?
Administer pulmonary function test before and after treatment

7. Hyperinflation Therapy
Involves treatments designed to prevent or treat lung collapse
Also called lung expansion therapy
*Atelectasis= partial or full lung collapse
Lung collapse can develop when a pt consistently breathes small amounts of air and does not fully expand lungs
Usually occurs when pt is sedated or in pain
Prevention= requires deep breathing or secretion removal to open airways

8. Indications for Hyperinflation Therapy
Anyone who has anything that impairs their ability to take deep breaths and cough
EX: surgery of chest/upper abd region
Heavily sedated
Neuromuscular disease
Spinal cord injuries
Bedridden
Chronic lung disease> excessive mucous production (CF, chronic bronchitis)

9. Incentive Spirometry *most common hyperinflation therapy
Performed using devices that give pt a visual clue by showing the pt numbers signifying volume
Pt can see that volume/flow is reached
Indications
-upper abd surgery
-chest surgery
-COPD pt undergoing of have undergone surgery
-bedridden
** Main reason is to prevent or treat existing atelectasis
Contraindications
-pt cannot be instructed/supervised on proper use of the device
-unconscious pts or unable to speak
Show video using IS

10. Asthma pt would need a ________________
COPD pt undergoing surgery would need ____________________
Lung disease and just had surgery __________
Aerosol therapy (metered dose inhaler), IS, Hyperinflation/IS