Page 1620 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

IV. Glucocorticoids (Corticosteroids) (see Box 51-1)
A. Glucocorticoids act as antiinflammatory agents and reduce edema
of the airways; they are used to treat asthma and other
inflammatory respiratory conditions.
B. See Chapter 47 for information on glucocorticoids.
V. Leukotriene Modifiers (see Box 51-1)
A. Description
1. Used in the prophylaxis and treatment of chronic
bronchial asthma (not used for acute asthma
episodes)
2. Inhibit bronchoconstriction caused by specific antigens
and reduce airway edema and smooth muscle
constriction
3. Contraindicated in clients with hypersensitivity and in
breast-feeding mothers
4. Should be used with caution in clients with impaired
hepatic function
5. Coadministration of inhaled glucocorticoids increases
the risk of upper respiratory infection.
B. Side and adverse effects
1. Headache
2. Nausea and vomiting
3. Dyspepsia
4. Diarrhea
5. Generalized pain, myalgia
6. Fever
7. Dizziness
C. Interventions
1. Assess frequency of exacerbations.
2. Assess changes in lung function.
3. Assess liver function laboratory values.
4. Monitor for cyanosis.
D. Client education
1. To take medication 1 hour before or 2 hours after
meals
2. To increase fluid intake
3. Not to discontinue the medication and to take it as
prescribed, even during symptom-free periods
VI. Inhaled Nonsteroidal Antiallergy Agent (see Box 51-1)
A. Description
1. Antiasthmatic, antiallergic, and mast cell stabilizers
inhibit mast cell release after exposure to antigens.
2. Used to treat allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, and
exercise-induced bronchospasm
3. Contraindicated in clients with known
hypersensitivity
4. Orally administered cromolyn sodium is used with
caution in clients with impaired hepatic or renal

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