NURS 251 Pharmacology – Module 5 Practice Exam
NURS 251 Pharmacology – Respiratory Module
NURS 251
Respiratory Pharmacology
100 Questions with Complete Solutions and Rationales
Updated 2026 Examination Edition
Module 5 Key Areas:
1. Respiratory Anatomy & Physiology
2. Asthma Management (Rescue vs. Maintenance)
3. COPD Pathophysiology & Treatment
4. Bronchodilators (Beta-2 Agonists & Anticholinergics)
5. Anti-inflammatories & Corticosteroids
6. Drug Administration Techniques (MDI, Nebulizers)
7. Mucolytics, Antitussives & Expectorants
Nursing Pharmacology Prep | 2026 Edition
Respiratory Pharmacology Guide | Updated 2026
,NURS 251 Pharmacology – Module 5 Practice Exam
Contents
1 Respiratory System Anatomy & Physiology 3
2 Asthma Pharmacology 7
3 COPD Pharmacology 15
4 Bronchodilators – Beta Agonists & Anticholinergics 23
5 Corticosteroids & Anti-inflammatory Agents 29
6 Respiratory Drug Administration & Patient Education 33
7 Xanthines & Other Respiratory Medications 37
8 Comprehensive Review 41
Respiratory Pharmacology Guide | Updated 2026
,NURS 251 Pharmacology – Module 5 Practice Exam
Section 1: Respiratory System Anatomy & Physiology
(Questions 1-10)
Question 1
Name the microscopic sacs within the lungs that are the site where oxygen is exchanged for
carbon dioxide.
A) Bronchioles
B) Alveoli
C) Capillaries
D) Bronchi
Answer
B
Rationale
Alveoli are the tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. Oxygen passes from the alveoli into
the blood, and carbon dioxide passes from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled. This is a foundational
concept in respiratory pharmacology.
Question 2
Which structure is the primary site of gas exchange in the respiratory system?
A) Trachea
B) Bronchi
C) Alveoli
D) Pharynx
Answer
C
Rationale
The alveoli are the functional units of the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged between
the air and the blood. The trachea, bronchi, and pharynx are conducting airways that transport air but do not
participate in gas exchange.
Respiratory Pharmacology Guide | Updated 2026
, NURS 251 Pharmacology – Module 5 Practice Exam
Question 3
The primary function of the respiratory system is to:
A) Regulate body temperature
B) Deliver oxygen to the cells of the body and remove carbon dioxide
C) Produce hormones
D) Filter waste products from the blood
Answer
B
Rationale
The main functions of the respiratory system are to deliver oxygen to the body's cells and remove carbon
dioxide, a waste product of cellular metabolism. This process is essential for cellular respiration and
maintaining acid-base balance.
Question 4
Which of the following best describes the pathophysiology of asthma?
A) Dilation of the bronchioles leading to increased airflow
B) Narrowing of bronchioles caused by airway inflammation, mucus production, edema, and
bronchospasm
C) Destruction of alveolar walls leading to decreased surface area for gas exchange
D) Infection of the lung tissue
Answer
B
Rationale
Asthma is characterized by airway inflammation, mucus production and retention, edema, and
bronchospasm, leading to narrowing of the bronchioles. This obstruction makes it difficult for air to move in
and out of the lungs.
Respiratory Pharmacology Guide | Updated 2026
NURS 251 Pharmacology – Respiratory Module
NURS 251
Respiratory Pharmacology
100 Questions with Complete Solutions and Rationales
Updated 2026 Examination Edition
Module 5 Key Areas:
1. Respiratory Anatomy & Physiology
2. Asthma Management (Rescue vs. Maintenance)
3. COPD Pathophysiology & Treatment
4. Bronchodilators (Beta-2 Agonists & Anticholinergics)
5. Anti-inflammatories & Corticosteroids
6. Drug Administration Techniques (MDI, Nebulizers)
7. Mucolytics, Antitussives & Expectorants
Nursing Pharmacology Prep | 2026 Edition
Respiratory Pharmacology Guide | Updated 2026
,NURS 251 Pharmacology – Module 5 Practice Exam
Contents
1 Respiratory System Anatomy & Physiology 3
2 Asthma Pharmacology 7
3 COPD Pharmacology 15
4 Bronchodilators – Beta Agonists & Anticholinergics 23
5 Corticosteroids & Anti-inflammatory Agents 29
6 Respiratory Drug Administration & Patient Education 33
7 Xanthines & Other Respiratory Medications 37
8 Comprehensive Review 41
Respiratory Pharmacology Guide | Updated 2026
,NURS 251 Pharmacology – Module 5 Practice Exam
Section 1: Respiratory System Anatomy & Physiology
(Questions 1-10)
Question 1
Name the microscopic sacs within the lungs that are the site where oxygen is exchanged for
carbon dioxide.
A) Bronchioles
B) Alveoli
C) Capillaries
D) Bronchi
Answer
B
Rationale
Alveoli are the tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. Oxygen passes from the alveoli into
the blood, and carbon dioxide passes from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled. This is a foundational
concept in respiratory pharmacology.
Question 2
Which structure is the primary site of gas exchange in the respiratory system?
A) Trachea
B) Bronchi
C) Alveoli
D) Pharynx
Answer
C
Rationale
The alveoli are the functional units of the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged between
the air and the blood. The trachea, bronchi, and pharynx are conducting airways that transport air but do not
participate in gas exchange.
Respiratory Pharmacology Guide | Updated 2026
, NURS 251 Pharmacology – Module 5 Practice Exam
Question 3
The primary function of the respiratory system is to:
A) Regulate body temperature
B) Deliver oxygen to the cells of the body and remove carbon dioxide
C) Produce hormones
D) Filter waste products from the blood
Answer
B
Rationale
The main functions of the respiratory system are to deliver oxygen to the body's cells and remove carbon
dioxide, a waste product of cellular metabolism. This process is essential for cellular respiration and
maintaining acid-base balance.
Question 4
Which of the following best describes the pathophysiology of asthma?
A) Dilation of the bronchioles leading to increased airflow
B) Narrowing of bronchioles caused by airway inflammation, mucus production, edema, and
bronchospasm
C) Destruction of alveolar walls leading to decreased surface area for gas exchange
D) Infection of the lung tissue
Answer
B
Rationale
Asthma is characterized by airway inflammation, mucus production and retention, edema, and
bronchospasm, leading to narrowing of the bronchioles. This obstruction makes it difficult for air to move in
and out of the lungs.
Respiratory Pharmacology Guide | Updated 2026
