RCP 401 - Airway Pharmacology

1.  Critique general pharmacologic concepts.
   1. Discuss medication information, drug development and regulation. 
   2. Evaluate routes of medication administration.
   3. Describe the process of drug metabolism and excretion and list the most common organs responsible for each. 
   4. Discuss pharmacology of the autonomic nervous system. 
   5. Calculate drug dosages and solution concentrations.
2. Compare administration of aerosolized and instilled medications.
   1. Perform DPI competency. 
   2. Perform MDI competency.
   3. Assemble and troubleshoot metered-dose inhalers, spacers, valved holding chambers, and dry-powdered inhalers.
   4. Explain the administration of medications via endotracheal instillation.
3. Evaluate bronchodilator therapy.
   1. List 3 categories of bronchodilators and explain how each causes bronchodilation. 
   2. Describe common adverse effects and contraindications of bronchodilators.
   3. Compare the use of adrenergic, anticholinergic and methylxanthine bronchodilators in clinical practice. 
   4. Assess clinical indications for short-acting and long-acting inhaled bronchodilators.
   5. Describe the administration of bronchodilators. 
   6. Suggest the most appropriate bronchodilator given a patient case study. 
4. Assess anti-inflammatory drugs used in respiratory disease. 
   1. Explain the use of racemic epinephrine. 
   2. Describe the rationale for using corticosteroid therapy for control of asthmatic symptoms. 
   3. List inhaled corticosteroids used in the treatment of airway inflammation.
   4. Describe the use of leukotriene inhibitors and antagonists.
   5. Suggest the most appropriate drug therapy given a patient case study. 
5. Evaluate wetting agents and mucoactive drugs.
   1. Discuss the therapeutic indications for the use of bland aerosols and mucolytic agents in airway maintenance. 
   2. Compare and contrast the 2 primary mucolytic aerosols. 
   3. Suggest the most appropriate mucolytic therapy given a patient case study. 
6. Assess aerosolized antimicrobial therapy.
   1. List the most common indications for the use of aerosolized antimicrobial agents. 
   2. Name the FDA-approved aerosolized antimicrobial agents and the special equipment required for administration of each. 
   3. Suggest the most appropriate antimicrobial therapy given a patient case study. 
7. Examine agents used in special procedures and of pulmonary importance. 
   1. Describe the purpose of lidocaine during bronchoscopy. 
   2. List drugs used in performing “bronchial challenge” pulmonary function studies. 
   3. Summarize the administration of selective pulmonary vasodilators.
   4. Discuss smoking cessation strategies and recommend appropriate pharmacologic smoking cessation therapy.