Respiratory Drugs Lilley: Pharmacology and the Nursing Process, 8th
Edition
1. A patient is taking intravenous aminophylline for a severe exacerbation of chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease. The nurse will assess for which therapeutic response?
a. Increased sputum production
b. Increased heart rate
c. Increased respiratory rate
d. Increased ease of breathing - ANSWERS-ANS: D
The therapeutic effects of bronchodilating drugs such as xanthine derivatives include
increased ease of breathing. The other responses are incorrect.
DIF: COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application) REF: p. 593
2. A patient is taking a xanthine derivative as part of treatment for chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease. The nurse will monitor for which adverse effects associated with the
use of xanthine derivatives?
a. Diarrhea
b. Palpitations
c. Bradycardia
d. Drowsiness - ANSWERS-ANS: B
The common adverse effects of the xanthine derivatives include nausea, vomiting, and
anorexia. In addition, gastroesophageal reflux has been observed to occur during sleep
in patients taking these drugs. Cardiac adverse effects include sinus tachycardia,
extrasystole, palpitations, and ventricular dysrhythmias. Transient increased urination
and hyperglycemia are other possible adverse effects
3. A patient is in an urgent care center with an acute asthma attack. The nurse expects
that which medication will be used for initial treatment?
a. An anticholinergic such as ipratropium (Atrovent)
b. A short-acting beta2 agonist such as albuterol (Proventil)
c. A long-acting beta2 agonist such as salmeterol (Serevent)
d. A corticosteroid such as fluticasone (Flovent) - ANSWERS-ANS: B
The short-acting beta2 agonists are commonly used during the acute phase of an
asthmatic attack to reduce airway constriction quickly and to restore airflow to normal
levels. The other drugs listed are not appropriate for acute asthma attacks.
Anticholinergic drugs and long-acting beta2 agonists are used to prevent attacks;
corticosteroids are used to reduce airway inflammation.
The prescriber has changed the patient's medication regimen to include the leukotriene
receptor antagonist (LTRA) montelukast (Singulair) to treat asthma. The nurse will
emphasize which point about this medication?
a. The proper technique for inhalation must be followed.
b. The patient needs to keep it close by at all times to treat acute asthma attacks.
c. It needs to be taken every day on a continuous schedule, even if symptoms improve.
d. When the asthma symptoms improve, the dosage schedule can be tapered and
eventually discontinued. - ANSWERS-ANS: C
Edition
1. A patient is taking intravenous aminophylline for a severe exacerbation of chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease. The nurse will assess for which therapeutic response?
a. Increased sputum production
b. Increased heart rate
c. Increased respiratory rate
d. Increased ease of breathing - ANSWERS-ANS: D
The therapeutic effects of bronchodilating drugs such as xanthine derivatives include
increased ease of breathing. The other responses are incorrect.
DIF: COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application) REF: p. 593
2. A patient is taking a xanthine derivative as part of treatment for chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease. The nurse will monitor for which adverse effects associated with the
use of xanthine derivatives?
a. Diarrhea
b. Palpitations
c. Bradycardia
d. Drowsiness - ANSWERS-ANS: B
The common adverse effects of the xanthine derivatives include nausea, vomiting, and
anorexia. In addition, gastroesophageal reflux has been observed to occur during sleep
in patients taking these drugs. Cardiac adverse effects include sinus tachycardia,
extrasystole, palpitations, and ventricular dysrhythmias. Transient increased urination
and hyperglycemia are other possible adverse effects
3. A patient is in an urgent care center with an acute asthma attack. The nurse expects
that which medication will be used for initial treatment?
a. An anticholinergic such as ipratropium (Atrovent)
b. A short-acting beta2 agonist such as albuterol (Proventil)
c. A long-acting beta2 agonist such as salmeterol (Serevent)
d. A corticosteroid such as fluticasone (Flovent) - ANSWERS-ANS: B
The short-acting beta2 agonists are commonly used during the acute phase of an
asthmatic attack to reduce airway constriction quickly and to restore airflow to normal
levels. The other drugs listed are not appropriate for acute asthma attacks.
Anticholinergic drugs and long-acting beta2 agonists are used to prevent attacks;
corticosteroids are used to reduce airway inflammation.
The prescriber has changed the patient's medication regimen to include the leukotriene
receptor antagonist (LTRA) montelukast (Singulair) to treat asthma. The nurse will
emphasize which point about this medication?
a. The proper technique for inhalation must be followed.
b. The patient needs to keep it close by at all times to treat acute asthma attacks.
c. It needs to be taken every day on a continuous schedule, even if symptoms improve.
d. When the asthma symptoms improve, the dosage schedule can be tapered and
eventually discontinued. - ANSWERS-ANS: C
