Cystic Fibrosis: A review of the disease and treatment for nurses

This report provides a comprehensive overview of Cystic Fibrosis (CF), focusing on its impact on lung function and the physiological changes associated with the disease. The report discusses the pathophysiology of CF, highlighting how mucus production and inflammation lead to impaired gas exchange and respiratory symptoms. It then examines pharmacological interventions, specifically bronchodilators like Albuterol, detailing their mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and potential side effects. The report emphasizes the importance of understanding drug interactions and patient safety, making it a valuable resource for nursing students and healthcare professionals seeking insights into CF management. The report helps in understanding the importance of CF on the lungs and the use of drugs like Albuterol.

ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a disease that is associated with mucus production in various
organs because of the mutations in the CF gene and alterations in the function of CFTR protein.
The fact sheet gives an overview of the symptoms, pathophysiology of the condition and changes
in the homeostasis of the lungs due to CF. The factsheet also gives a brief overview of
pharmacological treatment of the condition by discussing about drugs used to treat the disease
and giving pharmacological detail of one of the bronchodilators, called Albuterol
Summary of the information
The factsheet first discussed about the pathophysiology of CF. Although it affects many
organs, the fact sheet mainly analyses the effect of the disease on lung function. Normal
homeostasis of respiratory system is maintained by gas exchanged and the fact sheet shows that
activation of inflammatory response due to mucus result in poor gas exchange and airway
obstruction leading to symptoms of shortness of breath and wheeziness. The discussion
regarding pharmacological treatment identified bronchodilatrors, airway clearance therapy and
pancreas enzyme as the main pharmacological intervention for CF. Based on the review of one
bronchodilator, called albuterol, it was found that the drug exerts it action by binding to the beta-
2-adrenergic receptor and relaxing the smooths muscles of the airway. The review of
pharmacokinetics suggests quick action of the drug. The side-effect and drug-drug interactions
gave important details on things to consider while prescribing the drug to patient.
Conclusion:

To summarize, the above fact sheet is useful in giving a brief knowledge on the impact of
CF on lung function and physiology and the way to consider safety of patient while prescribing
bronchodilators to patient. The factsheet is targeted for nursing students and nursing
professionals as it gives them knowledge about important factors to consider while administering
bronchodilators to CF patient.