NUR 210 Principles of Pharmacology Week 7 Comprehensive Study
Guide 2026 |Galen College
1. A patient is prescribed Albuterol for exercise-induced bronchospasm. Which
statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will use this medication 15 minutes before I start exercising.
B. I should limit my caffeine intake while taking this drug.
C. I will take this medication on a regular schedule every morning.
D. I might feel my heart racing after I use the inhaler.
Answer: C
Rationale: Albuterol is a Short-Acting Beta Agonist (SABA) used as a rescue medication or
for pre-exercise prevention; it is not intended for daily scheduled maintenance like long-
acting agents.
2. Which adverse effect should a nurse prioritize when monitoring a patient
receiving Theophylline?
A. Constipation
B. Urinary retention
C. Bradycardia
D. Seizures
Answer: D
Rationale: Theophylline has a narrow therapeutic index. Toxicity can lead to severe
central nervous system effects such as seizures and life-threatening dysrhythmias.
,3. A patient is starting Beclomethasone dipropionate by MDI. What instruction
is essential to prevent oral candidiasis?
A. Take a deep breath and hold it for 2 seconds.
B. Use the medication only when feeling short of breath.
C. Drink a full glass of milk before administration.
D. Rinse the mouth with water and spit after each use.
Answer: D
Rationale: Inhaled corticosteroids can cause local immunosuppression leading to thrush
(candidiasis). Rinsing the mouth removes residual drug from the oral mucosa.
4. What is the primary mechanism of action of Montelukast?
A. Blocking histamine H1 receptors.
B. Blocking leukotriene receptors.
C. Inhibiting the release of leukotrienes.
D. Directly relaxing bronchial smooth muscle.
Answer: B
Rationale: Montelukast is a Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist (LTRA) that prevents
leukotrienes from binding to their receptors, thereby reducing inflammation and
bronchoconstriction.
5. A patient is prescribed Ipratropium for COPD. The nurse should assess for
which contraindication?
A. Shellfish allergy
B. Peanut or soy allergy
C. History of hypertension
D. Diabetes Mellitus
Answer: B
Rationale: Many formulations of Ipratropium (Atrovent) contain soy lecithin or are related
to peanut products; patients with these allergies should be carefully screened.
, 6. Which medication is considered a first-line treatment for a patient
experiencing an acute asthma attack?
A. Salmeterol
B. Fluticasone
C. Albuterol
D. Cromolyn
Answer: C
Rationale: Albuterol is a rapid-acting bronchodilator (SABA) used to provide immediate
relief during acute bronchospasm.
7. A patient taking Guaifenesin should be encouraged to do which of the
following?
A. Restrict fluid intake to avoid thin secretions.
B. Avoid coughing to prevent throat irritation.
C. Take the medication with an antacid.
D. Increase fluid intake to help thin secretions.
Answer: D
Rationale: Guaifenesin is an expectorant. Increased hydration works synergistically with
the drug to decrease the viscosity of secretions, making them easier to cough up.
8. Codeine is used in some cough syrups because of its ability to:
A. Liquefy thick mucus.
B. Dilate the bronchioles.
C. Suppress the cough reflex in the medulla.
D. Reduce nasal congestion.
Answer: C
Rationale: Codeine is an opioid antitussive that acts directly on the cough center in the
brain to increase the cough threshold.
Guide 2026 |Galen College
1. A patient is prescribed Albuterol for exercise-induced bronchospasm. Which
statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will use this medication 15 minutes before I start exercising.
B. I should limit my caffeine intake while taking this drug.
C. I will take this medication on a regular schedule every morning.
D. I might feel my heart racing after I use the inhaler.
Answer: C
Rationale: Albuterol is a Short-Acting Beta Agonist (SABA) used as a rescue medication or
for pre-exercise prevention; it is not intended for daily scheduled maintenance like long-
acting agents.
2. Which adverse effect should a nurse prioritize when monitoring a patient
receiving Theophylline?
A. Constipation
B. Urinary retention
C. Bradycardia
D. Seizures
Answer: D
Rationale: Theophylline has a narrow therapeutic index. Toxicity can lead to severe
central nervous system effects such as seizures and life-threatening dysrhythmias.
,3. A patient is starting Beclomethasone dipropionate by MDI. What instruction
is essential to prevent oral candidiasis?
A. Take a deep breath and hold it for 2 seconds.
B. Use the medication only when feeling short of breath.
C. Drink a full glass of milk before administration.
D. Rinse the mouth with water and spit after each use.
Answer: D
Rationale: Inhaled corticosteroids can cause local immunosuppression leading to thrush
(candidiasis). Rinsing the mouth removes residual drug from the oral mucosa.
4. What is the primary mechanism of action of Montelukast?
A. Blocking histamine H1 receptors.
B. Blocking leukotriene receptors.
C. Inhibiting the release of leukotrienes.
D. Directly relaxing bronchial smooth muscle.
Answer: B
Rationale: Montelukast is a Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist (LTRA) that prevents
leukotrienes from binding to their receptors, thereby reducing inflammation and
bronchoconstriction.
5. A patient is prescribed Ipratropium for COPD. The nurse should assess for
which contraindication?
A. Shellfish allergy
B. Peanut or soy allergy
C. History of hypertension
D. Diabetes Mellitus
Answer: B
Rationale: Many formulations of Ipratropium (Atrovent) contain soy lecithin or are related
to peanut products; patients with these allergies should be carefully screened.
, 6. Which medication is considered a first-line treatment for a patient
experiencing an acute asthma attack?
A. Salmeterol
B. Fluticasone
C. Albuterol
D. Cromolyn
Answer: C
Rationale: Albuterol is a rapid-acting bronchodilator (SABA) used to provide immediate
relief during acute bronchospasm.
7. A patient taking Guaifenesin should be encouraged to do which of the
following?
A. Restrict fluid intake to avoid thin secretions.
B. Avoid coughing to prevent throat irritation.
C. Take the medication with an antacid.
D. Increase fluid intake to help thin secretions.
Answer: D
Rationale: Guaifenesin is an expectorant. Increased hydration works synergistically with
the drug to decrease the viscosity of secretions, making them easier to cough up.
8. Codeine is used in some cough syrups because of its ability to:
A. Liquefy thick mucus.
B. Dilate the bronchioles.
C. Suppress the cough reflex in the medulla.
D. Reduce nasal congestion.
Answer: C
Rationale: Codeine is an opioid antitussive that acts directly on the cough center in the
brain to increase the cough threshold.
