Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
COPD

NRSG 3630
Jenna Machin, Katie Neal, Hasti Halakoeei, and Ben Ferguson

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Pathophysiology

Salbutamol sulphate

Group of chroinic respiratory disorders characterized by progressive, pathological changes in lungs and obstruction of airways

Emphysema

Mechanism of action

Adverse Effects

Indication

Pharmacokinetics

Route: nebulizer

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Treatment

Machine that helps client breathe in medication as a mist by using a mask or mouthpiece

Prescription needed

Can be given in hospital or at home

Signs and Symptoms

Etiology

Genetic factors for nonsmokers, typically low alpha-antitrypsin protein

exposure to air pollutants

destruction of the alveolar walls and septae

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cigarette smoking

shortness of breath on exertion, progresses to occurring at rest

little sputum presented when coughing

clubbed fingers

tachypnea with prolonged expiration and use of accessory muscles

hyperinflation eventually leads to development of "barrel chest"

decreased surface area for gas exchange

difficulty with expiration is progressive

pulmonary capillaries decrease, which affects perfusion and diffusion of gases

loss of elastic fibers, causing decreased lung recoil

Chronic irritation and frequent infections causes fibrosis and thickening of bronchial walls

anorexia

frequent infections due to secretions being more difficult to remove

narrowed airways

weakened walls

interference with passive expiratory airflow

overinflation of the lungs

barrel chest

air trapping

Trade names

Ventolin

Airomir

Short-acting bronchodilating agonist drug.
Acts by stimulating primarily the beta 2 receptor in the lungs

causes adenylate cyclase to be activated and produce cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)

increased levels of cAMP causes bronchial smooth muscle to relax

leading to bronchial dilation and increased airflow

prevention or relief of bronchospasm

Contraindicaiton

uncontrolled cardiac dysrhythmias

high risk of stroke due to vasodilation mechanism of action

drug allergy

Interactions

vascular headaches

tremor

hypotension

when used with nonselective beta-blockers, bronchodilation effect is reduced

avoid use with MAOIs and other sympathomimetics because of an increased risk for hypertension

Patients with diabetes may need adjustment due to increased blood glucose levels that can occur

If used too frequently/at a higher dose

increased heart rate

increased anxiety

palpitations

nausea

immediate onset of action

peak plasma concentration at 10-25 minutes

Elimination half-life at 3-4 hours

Duration of Action is 3-4 hours

This client would receive approx. 2.5-5 mg