,NSG 533 Advanced Pharmacology Exam 2
Study Guide Wilkes University High-Yield
Pharmacology 150 Q&A + Rationales
2026/2027
1. A 62-year-old male with COPD is prescribed tiotropium. Which of the following best describes
the mechanism of action of this medication?
A. Short-acting beta-2 agonist
B. Long-acting muscarinic antagonist
C. Inhaled corticosteroid
D. Leukotriene receptor antagonist
Correct Answer: B. Long-acting muscarinic antagonist
Rationale: Tiotropium is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) that blocks muscarinic
receptors in the airways, leading to bronchodilation. It is used for maintenance therapy in COPD
and asthma. Short-acting beta-2 agonists (e.g., albuterol) are used for acute relief.
2. A patient with asthma is prescribed montelukast. Which of the following is TRUE regarding
this medication?
A. It is a bronchodilator used for acute asthma attacks
B. It is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for prophylaxis
C. It is a corticosteroid
,D. It is a long-acting beta-2 agonist
Correct Answer: B. It is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for prophylaxis
Rationale: Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) used for prophylaxis of
asthma and allergic rhinitis. It is not effective for acute asthma attacks. It works by blocking
leukotriene-mediated inflammation and bronchoconstriction.
3. A patient is prescribed fluticasone/salmeterol (Advair) for asthma. Which of the following is
the most important counseling point?
A. Use as a rescue inhaler for acute symptoms
B. Rinse mouth after each use to prevent oral candidiasis
C. Take only when symptomatic
D. Double the dose if symptoms worsen
Correct Answer: B. Rinse mouth after each use to prevent oral candidiasis
Rationale: Inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone) can cause oral candidiasis (thrush). Rinsing
the mouth with water after each use reduces this risk. Fluticasone/salmeterol is a maintenance
inhaler, not a rescue inhaler. It should be used regularly, not PRN.
4. A patient with acute bronchospasm is prescribed albuterol. Which of the following is the
most common adverse effect?
, A. Bradycardia
B. Tremor and tachycardia
C. Hypotension
D. Miosis
Correct Answer: B. Tremor and tachycardia
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that can cause tremor, tachycardia,
nervousness, and palpitations due to beta-2 stimulation. It is used for acute relief of
bronchospasm.
5. Which of the following is TRUE regarding the use of systemic corticosteroids in asthma
exacerbation?
A. They provide immediate bronchodilation
B. They reduce airway inflammation and prevent relapse
C. They are contraindicated in asthma
D. They replace the need for inhaled corticosteroids
Correct Answer: B. They reduce airway inflammation and prevent relapse
Rationale: Systemic corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, methylprednisolone) reduce airway
inflammation and prevent relapse in asthma exacerbations. They do not provide immediate
bronchodilation. They are used in addition to, not instead of, inhaled corticosteroids.
Study Guide Wilkes University High-Yield
Pharmacology 150 Q&A + Rationales
2026/2027
1. A 62-year-old male with COPD is prescribed tiotropium. Which of the following best describes
the mechanism of action of this medication?
A. Short-acting beta-2 agonist
B. Long-acting muscarinic antagonist
C. Inhaled corticosteroid
D. Leukotriene receptor antagonist
Correct Answer: B. Long-acting muscarinic antagonist
Rationale: Tiotropium is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) that blocks muscarinic
receptors in the airways, leading to bronchodilation. It is used for maintenance therapy in COPD
and asthma. Short-acting beta-2 agonists (e.g., albuterol) are used for acute relief.
2. A patient with asthma is prescribed montelukast. Which of the following is TRUE regarding
this medication?
A. It is a bronchodilator used for acute asthma attacks
B. It is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for prophylaxis
C. It is a corticosteroid
,D. It is a long-acting beta-2 agonist
Correct Answer: B. It is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for prophylaxis
Rationale: Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) used for prophylaxis of
asthma and allergic rhinitis. It is not effective for acute asthma attacks. It works by blocking
leukotriene-mediated inflammation and bronchoconstriction.
3. A patient is prescribed fluticasone/salmeterol (Advair) for asthma. Which of the following is
the most important counseling point?
A. Use as a rescue inhaler for acute symptoms
B. Rinse mouth after each use to prevent oral candidiasis
C. Take only when symptomatic
D. Double the dose if symptoms worsen
Correct Answer: B. Rinse mouth after each use to prevent oral candidiasis
Rationale: Inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone) can cause oral candidiasis (thrush). Rinsing
the mouth with water after each use reduces this risk. Fluticasone/salmeterol is a maintenance
inhaler, not a rescue inhaler. It should be used regularly, not PRN.
4. A patient with acute bronchospasm is prescribed albuterol. Which of the following is the
most common adverse effect?
, A. Bradycardia
B. Tremor and tachycardia
C. Hypotension
D. Miosis
Correct Answer: B. Tremor and tachycardia
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that can cause tremor, tachycardia,
nervousness, and palpitations due to beta-2 stimulation. It is used for acute relief of
bronchospasm.
5. Which of the following is TRUE regarding the use of systemic corticosteroids in asthma
exacerbation?
A. They provide immediate bronchodilation
B. They reduce airway inflammation and prevent relapse
C. They are contraindicated in asthma
D. They replace the need for inhaled corticosteroids
Correct Answer: B. They reduce airway inflammation and prevent relapse
Rationale: Systemic corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, methylprednisolone) reduce airway
inflammation and prevent relapse in asthma exacerbations. They do not provide immediate
bronchodilation. They are used in addition to, not instead of, inhaled corticosteroids.
