NURS 251 Module 4 Exam V2 | NURS 251
Module 4 Exam – Pharmacology | Portage |
Q&A with Rationale (Portage NURS 251
Module 4 Exam)
1. A patient is prescribed Albuterol for acute bronchospasm. Which mechanism of action
correctly describes this medication?
A. It blocks muscarinic receptors in the lungs to prevent constriction.
B. It stimulates beta-2 adrenergic receptors to relax bronchial smooth muscle.
C. It inhibits the release of histamine from mast cells.
D. It reduces inflammation by inhibiting leukotriene synthesis.
Answer: B
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that directly relaxes the
smooth muscles of the airways. This action provides rapid relief for patients experiencing
acute asthma attacks or COPD exacerbations. Because it works quickly, it is frequently
referred to as a rescue inhaler in clinical practice.
2. Which of the following is a potential side effect of the anticholinergic bronchodilator
Ipratropium?
A. Excessive salivation
B. Bradycardia
,C. Dry mouth
D. Diarrhea
Answer: C
Rationale: Ipratropium works by blocking acetylcholine at muscarinic receptor sites,
which leads to bronchodilation. Since it blocks the parasympathetic nervous system,
common side effects include dry mouth and urinary retention. Patients are often advised to
use sugarless candy or fluids to alleviate the dryness.
3. A nurse is providing education to a patient starting Fluticasone (Flovent). What is the most
important instruction regarding administration?
A. Take this medication only during an acute asthma attack.
B. Use a spacer to ensure the medication reaches the stomach.
C. Rinse the mouth with water after each use.
D. Discontinue the drug immediately if a cough develops.
Answer: C
Rationale: Inhaled corticosteroids like Fluticasone can cause oral candidiasis, also known
as thrush, if residue remains in the mouth. Rinsing the mouth after administration helps
remove the medication from the oral mucosa and prevents fungal overgrowth. This
medication is for maintenance therapy and should be used daily regardless of symptoms.
, 4. The nurse monitors a patient taking Theophylline for toxicity. Which of the following serum
levels indicates a toxic concentration?
A. 5 mcg/mL
B. 15 mcg/mL
C. 10 mcg/mL
D. 25 mcg/mL
Answer: D
Rationale: The therapeutic range for Theophylline is narrow, typically between 10 and 20
mcg/mL. A level of 25 mcg/mL is above the therapeutic window and puts the patient at risk
for severe adverse effects like seizures or dysrhythmias. Frequent blood monitoring is
essential for patients prescribed this methylxanthine.
5. A patient is prescribed Montelukast (Singulair). Which statement by the patient indicates
understanding of this drug?
A. I can stop taking this once my breathing feels normal for a week.
B. I should take an extra dose if I start wheezing while exercising.
C. This drug works by killing the bacteria that cause lung infections.
D. I will take this every night to help prevent my asthma symptoms.
Answer: D
Module 4 Exam – Pharmacology | Portage |
Q&A with Rationale (Portage NURS 251
Module 4 Exam)
1. A patient is prescribed Albuterol for acute bronchospasm. Which mechanism of action
correctly describes this medication?
A. It blocks muscarinic receptors in the lungs to prevent constriction.
B. It stimulates beta-2 adrenergic receptors to relax bronchial smooth muscle.
C. It inhibits the release of histamine from mast cells.
D. It reduces inflammation by inhibiting leukotriene synthesis.
Answer: B
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that directly relaxes the
smooth muscles of the airways. This action provides rapid relief for patients experiencing
acute asthma attacks or COPD exacerbations. Because it works quickly, it is frequently
referred to as a rescue inhaler in clinical practice.
2. Which of the following is a potential side effect of the anticholinergic bronchodilator
Ipratropium?
A. Excessive salivation
B. Bradycardia
,C. Dry mouth
D. Diarrhea
Answer: C
Rationale: Ipratropium works by blocking acetylcholine at muscarinic receptor sites,
which leads to bronchodilation. Since it blocks the parasympathetic nervous system,
common side effects include dry mouth and urinary retention. Patients are often advised to
use sugarless candy or fluids to alleviate the dryness.
3. A nurse is providing education to a patient starting Fluticasone (Flovent). What is the most
important instruction regarding administration?
A. Take this medication only during an acute asthma attack.
B. Use a spacer to ensure the medication reaches the stomach.
C. Rinse the mouth with water after each use.
D. Discontinue the drug immediately if a cough develops.
Answer: C
Rationale: Inhaled corticosteroids like Fluticasone can cause oral candidiasis, also known
as thrush, if residue remains in the mouth. Rinsing the mouth after administration helps
remove the medication from the oral mucosa and prevents fungal overgrowth. This
medication is for maintenance therapy and should be used daily regardless of symptoms.
, 4. The nurse monitors a patient taking Theophylline for toxicity. Which of the following serum
levels indicates a toxic concentration?
A. 5 mcg/mL
B. 15 mcg/mL
C. 10 mcg/mL
D. 25 mcg/mL
Answer: D
Rationale: The therapeutic range for Theophylline is narrow, typically between 10 and 20
mcg/mL. A level of 25 mcg/mL is above the therapeutic window and puts the patient at risk
for severe adverse effects like seizures or dysrhythmias. Frequent blood monitoring is
essential for patients prescribed this methylxanthine.
5. A patient is prescribed Montelukast (Singulair). Which statement by the patient indicates
understanding of this drug?
A. I can stop taking this once my breathing feels normal for a week.
B. I should take an extra dose if I start wheezing while exercising.
C. This drug works by killing the bacteria that cause lung infections.
D. I will take this every night to help prevent my asthma symptoms.
Answer: D
