Pharm: Respiratory Meds

What is the mechanism of action of anticholinergics in treating respiratory conditions?

• Enhancing the breakdown of acetylcholine

• Blocking the action of acetylcholine

• Increasing the production of acetylcholine

• Activating the receptors for acetylcholine

What is the purpose of mucolytics in respiratory therapy?

• To reduce airflow in the respiratory system

• To promote the growth of bacteria in the lungs

• To help break down and thin mucus in the airways

• To increase mucus production in the airways

How do leukotriene modifiers help in managing asthma symptoms?

• They reduce inflammation and constriction of the airways.

• They have no effect on airway inflammation and constriction.

• They increase inflammation and constriction of the airways.

• They only work on reducing coughing and not other symptoms.

A patient begins using an albuterol inhaler and a beclomethasone inhaler for asthma. The patient asks if it matters which inhaler is used first. The best response by the nurse is which of the following?

• "You should use the beclomethasone inhaler first followed in 5 to 10 minutes by the albuterol inhaler."

• "You should use the albuterol inhaler first followed in 5 to 10 minutes by the beclomethasone inhaler."

• "The order in which you use the inhalers does not matter."

• "You should not use the inhalers one right after the other."

Answer explanation

Prescribers often order beclomethasone, a steroid inhalant medication, concomitantly with one or more bronchodilators, such as albuterol, and patients may take these drugs with another anti-inflammatory drug, such as a leukotriene modifier or a mast cell stabilizer. It is necessary to use the inhaled bronchodilator first followed by the steroid inhalant medication. The bronchodilator increases the lumen of the bronchial tree, which subsequently increases the amount of steroid reaching the distal lung fields.

The nurse notes that a patient's serum theophylline (a xanthine) level is 25 mcg/mL and that a scheduled dose of the medication is due. The nurse should do which of the following?

• Hold the dose until the next meal and administer at that time.

• Administer only half of the dose and repeat the theophylline level in 4 hours.

• Hold the scheduled dose, contact the healthcare provider, and assess the patient for signs of toxicity.

• Administer the dose as scheduled.

What role do beta-agonists play in the treatment of asthma?

• To decrease the immune response in the airways

• To increase mucus production in the airways

• To relax the muscles around the airways

• To increase the sensitivity of the airways to allergens

Which class of medication is commonly used as a first-line treatment for seasonal allergic rhinitis?

• Anticholinergics

• Antihistamines

• Corticosteroids

• Decongestants

What is the role of long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) in asthma management?

• To provide immediate relief of asthma symptoms.

• To reduce the frequency of asthma attacks when used with an inhaled corticosteroid.

• To increase mucus production for easier clearance.

• To directly reduce inflammation in the airways.

What is the primary goal of using combination inhalers in asthma management?

• To reduce the need for oral corticosteroids

• To increase the risk of systemic side effects

• To provide both immediate and long-term relief of symptoms

• To decrease the effectiveness of treatment over time

How do short-acting beta agonists (SABAs) provide relief in asthma?

• By reducing the production of mucus in the airways

• By providing immediate relaxation of airway muscles

• By increasing the immune response to allergens

• By decreasing the oxygen levels in the blood