Respiratory Pharmacology Practice Questions

A client taking albuterol by inhalation cannot cough up secretions. What would the nurse suggest that the client do to assist in expectoration of secretions?

• Get more exercise each day.

• Use a dehumidifier in the home.

• Drink increased amounts of fluids each day.

• Take an extra dose of albuterol before bedtime.

The nurse is caring for a client receiving an albuterol/ipratropium nebulized breathing treatment. Which report from the client would the nurse note as an expected side effect of this combination medication?

• I feel as though my heart is racing.

• I feel more bloated than usual.

• My eyes have been watering lately.

• I haven't had a bowel movement in 4 days.

A client has begun therapy with theophylline. The nurse would teach the client to limit the intake of which items while taking this medication?

• Coffee, cola, and chocolate

• Oysters, lobster, and shrimp

• Melons, oranges, and pineapple

• Cottage cheese, cream cheese, and dairy creamers

The nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is receiving theophylline. The nurse monitors the serum theophylline level and concludes that the medication dosage may need to be increased if which value is noted?

• 5 mg/mL (20 mcmol/L)

• 10 mg/mL (40 mcmol/L)

• 15 mg/mL (60 mcmol/L)

• 20 mg/mL (79 mcmol/L)

A client who has been receiving theophylline by the intravenous (IV) route has the medication prescription changed to an immediate-release oral form of the medication. After discontinuing the IV medication, when would the nurse schedule the first dose of the oral medication?

• Just after the next meal.

• Just before the next meal.

• 4 hours after discontinuing the IV form.

• Immediately on discontinuing the IV form.

A client with a prescription to take theophylline daily has been given medication instructions by the nurse. What statement by the client indicates the need for further education regarding the prescription?

• I will take the daily dose at bedtime.

• I need to drink at least 2 liters of fluid per day.

• I know to avoid changing brands of the medication without my primary health care provider's approval.

• I'll avoid over-the-counter cough and cold medications unless approved by my health care provider.

A client with an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been on oral glucocorticoids and is currently being weaned off. The nurse determines that the client understands the potential adverse effects to watch for during this medication change when the client states the need to report which signs and symptoms?

• Chills, fever, and generalized rash.

• Vomiting, diarrhea, and increased thirst.

• Blurred vision, headache, and insomnia.

• Anorexia, nausea, weakness, and fatigue.

When evaluating an asthmatic client's knowledge of self-care, the nurse recognizes that additional instruction is needed when the client makes which statement?

• I use my corticosteroid inhaler each time I feel short of breath.

• I see my doctor if I have an upper respiratory infection and always get a flu shot.

• I use my bronchodilator inhaler before walking so that I don't become short of breath.

• I use my bronchodilator inhaler before I visit places like the zoo because of my allergies.

A home care nurse has observed a client self-administer a dose of an adrenergic bronchodilator via metered-dose inhaler. Within a short time, the client begins to wheeze loudly. The nurse understands that this is the result of which occurrence?

• Insufficient dosage of the medication, which needs to be increased

• Probable interaction of this medication with an over-the-counter cold remedy

• Tolerance to the medication, indicating a need for a stronger type of bronchodilator

• Paradoxical bronchospasm, which must be reported to the primary health care provider (PHCP)

The client questions the nurse as to why the primary health care provider switched the usual prescription from a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) to a dry powder inhaler (DPI). The nurse would respond correctly by providing which facts? Select all that apply.

• Dry powder inhalers have fewer side effects.

• Dry powder inhalers pose no environmental risks.

• Dry powder inhalers can be administered more frequently.

• Dry powder inhalers deliver more medication to the lungs.

• Dry powder inhalers require less hand-to-lung coordination.