PN2005 Respiratory Drugs Overview
UPDATED ACTUAL Exam Questions and
CORRECT Answers
Antitussives - CORRECT ANSWER - Drugs that suppress the cough reflex by acting on
the medullary cough center or respiratory passages
Decongestants - CORRECT ANSWER - Medications that reduce nasal congestion by
causing vasoconstriction and decreasing blood flow
Antihistamines - CORRECT ANSWER - Medications that block histamine receptors,
reducing allergy symptoms like sneezing and itching
Expectorants - CORRECT ANSWER - Substances that promote the expulsion of mucus
from the respiratory tract
Mucolytics - CORRECT ANSWER - Drugs that break down mucus for easier clearance
from the airways
Bronchodilators - CORRECT ANSWER - Medications that relax the muscles around the
airways, improving breathing in conditions like asthma
Lung Surfactants - CORRECT ANSWER - Substances that reduce surface tension in the
alveoli, aiding in lung expansion and gas exchange
Benzonatate - CORRECT ANSWER - Antitussive that acts on respiratory passages to
block cough reflex stretch receptors
Xylometazoline - CORRECT ANSWER - Topical nasal decongestant that causes
vasoconstriction to relieve nasal congestion
, Alpha-adrenergic receptors - CORRECT ANSWER - Receptors stimulated by oral
decongestants to shrink nasal mucous membranes
Pseudoephedrine - CORRECT ANSWER - Oral decongestant known as Sudafed or
Decofed
Assessment - CORRECT ANSWER - Includes history, physical exam, vital signs, and
contraindications
Therapeutic effect - CORRECT ANSWER - Improvement of nasal congestion
Adverse effects - CORRECT ANSWER - Include rebound congestion, increased pulse,
CNS effects
Patient Teaching - CORRECT ANSWER - Involves drug administration details and drug
interactions
Topical Steroid Nasal Decongestants - CORRECT ANSWER - Local effect blocking
inflammatory reactions
Uses - CORRECT ANSWER - For seasonal allergic rhinitis and post-nasal polyp removal
inflammation
Beclomethasone - CORRECT ANSWER - Example of a topical steroid nasal decongestant
Actions - CORRECT ANSWER - Exact mechanism unknown, local anti-inflammatory
effect
UPDATED ACTUAL Exam Questions and
CORRECT Answers
Antitussives - CORRECT ANSWER - Drugs that suppress the cough reflex by acting on
the medullary cough center or respiratory passages
Decongestants - CORRECT ANSWER - Medications that reduce nasal congestion by
causing vasoconstriction and decreasing blood flow
Antihistamines - CORRECT ANSWER - Medications that block histamine receptors,
reducing allergy symptoms like sneezing and itching
Expectorants - CORRECT ANSWER - Substances that promote the expulsion of mucus
from the respiratory tract
Mucolytics - CORRECT ANSWER - Drugs that break down mucus for easier clearance
from the airways
Bronchodilators - CORRECT ANSWER - Medications that relax the muscles around the
airways, improving breathing in conditions like asthma
Lung Surfactants - CORRECT ANSWER - Substances that reduce surface tension in the
alveoli, aiding in lung expansion and gas exchange
Benzonatate - CORRECT ANSWER - Antitussive that acts on respiratory passages to
block cough reflex stretch receptors
Xylometazoline - CORRECT ANSWER - Topical nasal decongestant that causes
vasoconstriction to relieve nasal congestion
, Alpha-adrenergic receptors - CORRECT ANSWER - Receptors stimulated by oral
decongestants to shrink nasal mucous membranes
Pseudoephedrine - CORRECT ANSWER - Oral decongestant known as Sudafed or
Decofed
Assessment - CORRECT ANSWER - Includes history, physical exam, vital signs, and
contraindications
Therapeutic effect - CORRECT ANSWER - Improvement of nasal congestion
Adverse effects - CORRECT ANSWER - Include rebound congestion, increased pulse,
CNS effects
Patient Teaching - CORRECT ANSWER - Involves drug administration details and drug
interactions
Topical Steroid Nasal Decongestants - CORRECT ANSWER - Local effect blocking
inflammatory reactions
Uses - CORRECT ANSWER - For seasonal allergic rhinitis and post-nasal polyp removal
inflammation
Beclomethasone - CORRECT ANSWER - Example of a topical steroid nasal decongestant
Actions - CORRECT ANSWER - Exact mechanism unknown, local anti-inflammatory
effect
