Describe long-term control and quick relief treatment options for asthma patients, as well as the impact these drugs might have on patients.Respiratory SystemIn the United States, 12 million people suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, n.d.), and about 25 million people suffer from asthma (CDC, 2011). Since various symptoms are associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and other common respiratory disorders, a single patient might be prescribed multiple drugs for treatment. Consider an 8-year-old asthmatic patient who frequently presents with acute asthma exacerbations that are triggered by seasonal allergies. As a result of his disorder, he might be prescribed albuterol to treat asthma attacks and Clarinex to treat allergic reactions. This requires you, as the advanced practice nurse, to be aware of risks of polypharmacy and patient factors that impact the effects of drugs.This week you examine types of drugs prescribed to patients with respiratory disorders, as well as the impact of patient factors on the effects of drugs. You also explore ways to improve patient treatment plans including suggested drug therapies. Finally, you examine asthma treatment and management.Learning ObjectivesBy the end of this week, students will:Analyze types of drugs prescribed to treat respiratory disordersEvaluate the impact of patient factors on the effects of prescribed drugs for respiratory disordersEvaluate drug therapy plans for respiratory disordersAssess the impact of asthma treatments on patientsAnalyze the stepwise approach to asthma treatment and managementUnderstand and apply key terms, concepts, and principles related to prescribing drugs to treat respiratory disordersPhoto Credit: lovleah/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty ImagesLearning ResourcesThis page contains the Learning Resources for this week. Be sure to scroll down the page to see all of this week’s assigned Learning Resources. To access select media resources, please use the media player below.Required ReadingsArcangelo, V. P.,