CHAPTER 2 Respiratory System^103
- Administer methylxanthines to enhance bronchodilation:
- aminophylline
- theophylline (Theo-Dur)
- Administer diuretics to reduce fluid retention in patients who develop right-
sided heart failure:- furosemide, bumetanide
- Administer expectorant to help liquefy secretions:
- guaifenesin
- Administer antibiotics in acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis:
- selected by culture and sensitivity study or given empirically
- Administer antacid, H2 blocker, or proton pump inhibitor to decrease the
amount of acid in stomach, reducing possible ulcer formation due to stress
of disease or medication effects.- antacids: aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate
- H2 blockers: ranitidine, famotidine, nizatidine, cimetidine
- proton pump inhibitors: omeprazole, lansoprazole, esomeprazole, rabepra-
zole, pantoprazole
- Administer vaccines—to decrease chances of infection:
- influenza
- pneumonia
- Give 3 liters of fluid per day to help liquefy secretions
- Oxygen: 2 liters per minute via nasal canula to help meet body’s needs; low
flow rates help reduce dyspnea while avoiding CO 2 retention. - Increase protein, calories, and vitamin C in diet to meet body’s needs.
- Administer the incentive spirometer or flutter valve to encourage coughing
and expelling of mucous. - Nocturnal negative pressure ventilation used for hypercapnic (elevated CO 2
levels) patients.
NURSING DIAGNOSES
- Ineffective airway clearance
- Activity intolerance
- Ineffective breathing pattern