RASMUSSEN PHARMACOLOGY EXAM 2 2026
REVISION NOTES AND STRUCTURED NURSING
PHARMACOLOGY OVERVIEW GUIDE
◉ Order of using inhalers. Answer: Albuterol (Bronchodilator) ->
Bronchodilators/rescue inhalers are 1st
Glucocorticoids (steroids) -> Used last
◉ Salumeterol (Beta-2 Agonists). Answer: Long acting
◉ Albuterol (bronchodilator). Answer: Short acting
Used during asthma attack (wheezing)
Used 1st -> Rescue inhaler
Bronchodilator = opens airway
◉ Ipratropium Bromide (Anticholinergic) & Side effects. Answer:
Used as a preventive or secondary inhaler
Stops the PNS
S/E: Urinary retention*
dry mouth
high BP and HR
,thirsty
◉ Glucocorticoids (Steroids)
ex. Fluticasone, Prednisone, Beclomethasone. Answer: Rinse mouth
after using to avoid thrush**
Most effective for long-term control of airway inflammation
S/E: Weight gain
constipation
urinary/fluid retention
◉ Leukotriene Blockers
ex. Zafirlukast, Montelukast. Answer: Give at night to prevent asthma
attacks
◉ Common S/E of inhalers. Answer: Constipation & urinary
retention
◉ Over the counter cough medicine - Education. Answer: Avoid
meds that treat multiple symptoms -> choose single dosed products
to avoid overdose
◉ Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIS)
ex. end in azole* -> Omeprazole. Answer: Prevent ulcers
, Block acid production & Reduce acid secretion
*Take in AM on empty stomach
◉ PPI Side effects. Answer: Diarrhea -> common in short term use
Nausea
Osteoporosis -> long-term use
Hypomagnesemia
◉ Histamine2 Receptor Antagonists
ex. Cimetidine. Answer: Used to treat ulcers & GERD
Reduces gastric acid volume by blocking h2
◉ Metoclopramide
ex. Reglan. Answer: Treats GERD
Promotes gastric emptying by suppressing nausea in brain
◉ Antacids
ex. Aluminum Hydroxide, Mag. Hydroxide. Answer: Treats
indigestion
Neutralizes stomach acid and stimulates to protect mucosa
REVISION NOTES AND STRUCTURED NURSING
PHARMACOLOGY OVERVIEW GUIDE
◉ Order of using inhalers. Answer: Albuterol (Bronchodilator) ->
Bronchodilators/rescue inhalers are 1st
Glucocorticoids (steroids) -> Used last
◉ Salumeterol (Beta-2 Agonists). Answer: Long acting
◉ Albuterol (bronchodilator). Answer: Short acting
Used during asthma attack (wheezing)
Used 1st -> Rescue inhaler
Bronchodilator = opens airway
◉ Ipratropium Bromide (Anticholinergic) & Side effects. Answer:
Used as a preventive or secondary inhaler
Stops the PNS
S/E: Urinary retention*
dry mouth
high BP and HR
,thirsty
◉ Glucocorticoids (Steroids)
ex. Fluticasone, Prednisone, Beclomethasone. Answer: Rinse mouth
after using to avoid thrush**
Most effective for long-term control of airway inflammation
S/E: Weight gain
constipation
urinary/fluid retention
◉ Leukotriene Blockers
ex. Zafirlukast, Montelukast. Answer: Give at night to prevent asthma
attacks
◉ Common S/E of inhalers. Answer: Constipation & urinary
retention
◉ Over the counter cough medicine - Education. Answer: Avoid
meds that treat multiple symptoms -> choose single dosed products
to avoid overdose
◉ Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIS)
ex. end in azole* -> Omeprazole. Answer: Prevent ulcers
, Block acid production & Reduce acid secretion
*Take in AM on empty stomach
◉ PPI Side effects. Answer: Diarrhea -> common in short term use
Nausea
Osteoporosis -> long-term use
Hypomagnesemia
◉ Histamine2 Receptor Antagonists
ex. Cimetidine. Answer: Used to treat ulcers & GERD
Reduces gastric acid volume by blocking h2
◉ Metoclopramide
ex. Reglan. Answer: Treats GERD
Promotes gastric emptying by suppressing nausea in brain
◉ Antacids
ex. Aluminum Hydroxide, Mag. Hydroxide. Answer: Treats
indigestion
Neutralizes stomach acid and stimulates to protect mucosa
