Module 10: Post-Task for Lesson 1 and 2 - Respiratory Agents
Direction: Answer each of the following questions in a scientific manner. Make it brief and concise.
1. Describe the action of Antihistamine. Why Diphenhydramine should not be used by patients
with narrow-angle glaucoma?
2. As a nurse, what is your advice to a client who is employed as a truck driver and currently
taking first-generation Antihistamine?
3. Explain the action of a Decongestant. Why this drug is contraindicated to patients with
glaucoma, diabetes, hypertension, CAD and thyroid diseases?
4. How do nasal decongestants cause rebound congestion?
5. Describe the action of a beta adrenergic bronchodilator. Why beta-adrenergic drug should
not be advised to a patient with Ischemic Heart Disease?
6. Describe the effects of beta 1 receptor stimulation?
7. Why Corticosteroids should not be given to patients with active infection of the respiratory
system?
8. Why do you advise the patient to rinse the mouth after using the steroid inhaler?
9. What are the effects of Leukotrienes in the body?
10. Describe the action of Montelukast?
Answer
1. Antihistamines are chemical agents that compete with the allergy-liberated histamine for H1-
receptor sites in the patient's arterioles, capillaries, and secretory glands in the mucous membranes.
Antihistamines compete with histamine for cell receptors and bind to the receptors without
stimulating the cells. In addition, they prevent histamine from binding and stimulating the cells.
Diphenhydramine also blocks the action of acetylcholine (anticholinergic effect) and is used as a
sedative because it causes drowsiness and the dilation of the pupil. In rare instances, this can cause
an acute glaucoma attack in individuals whose anterior chamber angles are
anatomically narrow Diphenhydramine blocks the effect of histamine and with its anticholinergic
effect it .should not be use to patient with narrow angle glaucoma
2. As a Nurse I should advice my client not to take or not to drive after taking the drug because first-
generation Antihistamine like Diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness, dizziness and dilation of the
pupil, the drug has a sedative side effect which can put the drivers who took the medication at risk for
road accident.
3. It Shrinks the nasal mucosa by stimulating the alpha-adrenergic receptors in the nasal membranes.
Thus promoting drainage of the sinuses and improving airflow. Decongestant is a class of drugs that
stimulates the alpha-adrenergic receptors, constricting blood vessels and thereby decreasing sinusoid
vessel enlargement and edema of the mucosal areas. Because 1 of the adverse effects associated
with the use of decongestants is cardiovascular stimulation, including elevated blood pressure (BP),
tachycardia, palpitations, and arrhythmia, the use of this class of agents to relieve nasal congestion
may exacerbate conditions that are sensitive to adrenergic stimulation like glaucoma, diabetes,
hypertension, CAD and thyroid diseases.
4. If frequent use of decongestants more than 5 days rebound can occur. The Frequent use of
decongestants, especially nasal spray or drops, can result in tolerance and rebound nasal congestion,
rebound vasodilation instead of vasoconstriction.
5. Direct effect on the smooth muscles of the respiratory tract, both those on the bronchi and the
blood vessels. Stimulate the CNS and respiration, dilate coronary and pulmonary arteries, and
diuresis. Beta-adrenergic drug should not be advised to a patient with Ischemic Heart Disease because
they exhibit negative inotropic effects associated with an increase in peripheral vascular resistance,
6. When beta-1 receptors are stimulated they increase the heart rate and increase the heart's
strength of contraction or contractility.
7. Corticosteroids should not be given to patients with active infection of the respiratory system
because of its immunosuppressive effects may actually worsen the underlying infection.
8. Gargling and rinsing your mouth with water after each dose may help prevent hoarseness, throat
irritation, and infection in the mouth which are known side effect of using steroid inhaler.
9. Leukotrienes cause tightening of airway muscles and the production of excess mucus and fluid.
These chemicals play a key role in allergies, allergic rhinitis, and asthma, also causing a tightening of
your airways, making it difficult to breathe.
10. Montelukast is in a class of medications called leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs). It works
by blocking the action of substances in the body that cause the symptoms of asthma and allergic
rhinitis.
