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
   4. Discuss of the interaction of the the autonomic nervous system and medications used in respiratory care 
   5. Calculate drug dosages and solution concentrations
   6. Recommend appropriate modifications to a patient’s medication regimen based on clinical assessment and therapeutic response
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 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 
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 mucoactive medications
   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 
7. Analyze drugs affecting the central nervous system
   1. Describe the use of analgesics and reversal agents in respiratory care
   2. Discuss how neuromuscular blocking agents are used in respiratory care
   3. Explain the use of sedatives and hypnotics in respiratory care
8. Examine agents used in special cardiopulmonary procedures and their clinical significance.
   1. Explain the indications, mechanisms of action, and clinical applications of cardiovascular medications relevant to respiratory care
   2. Describe the therapeutic role, physiological effects, and clinical use of diuretics in supporting cardiopulmonary function
   3. List medications used during diagnostic procedures
   4. Summarize the administration of pulmonary vasodilators
   5. Discuss the use of aerosolized antifibrinolytics
   6. Discuss smoking cessation strategies and recommend appropriate pharmacologic smoking cessation therapy