1
ATI Pharmacology 2025/2026| The
Respiratory System Test| Exam
Questions and Answers| Approved
A client starts albuterol therapy for asthma – key priority before administering the first dose?
Check heart rate – albuterol can cause tachycardia, especially in sensitive patients or if
they’ve never taken it before.
A client receiving theophylline reports nausea and insomnia – nursing action?
Report to provider – those are early signs of theophylline toxicity and levels may be too
high.
Patient taking ipratropium complains of dry mouth – best action to suggest?
Offer to suck on sugar-free candy or sip water – it's a common side effect and this helps
relieve it.
Client has persistent dry cough after starting an ACE inhibitor – medication to expect instead?
Likely switch to an ARB like losartan – it works similarly but doesn’t usually cause that
annoying cough.
Patient on zileuton for chronic asthma reports dark urine – priority concern?
Possible liver damage – check liver function tests and report symptoms ASAP.
, 2
Client prescribed diphenhydramine for seasonal allergies – side effect to watch for with driving?
Drowsiness and slowed reaction time – it’s sedating, so not safe to drive until you know how
it affects them.
After administering intranasal glucocorticoid, next important instruction for the patient?
Rinse mouth or throat to prevent irritation or possible yeast infections from the steroid.
Nursing action for a child taking montelukast daily for asthma control?
Give it in the evening – that’s when it works best to prevent nighttime symptoms.
Key teaching for someone using pseudoephedrine for nasal congestion?
Watch for increased blood pressure – especially if they already have hypertension.
Client prescribed acetylcysteine – therapeutic goal in respiratory care?
Breaks up thick mucus – makes it easier to clear, especially in conditions like cystic fibrosis
or COPD.
Patient on fluticasone via inhaler – proper sequence if also prescribed albuterol?
Take albuterol first to open airways, then fluticasone to get better steroid delivery.
Sign of a serious reaction to cromolyn sodium that needs urgent attention?
Wheezing or bronchospasm after inhalation – stop the drug and notify provider.
, 3
Client reports tremors after using short-acting beta-2 agonist – next step?
Reassure them it’s a common side effect, but monitor in case it worsens or interferes with
daily activities.
Care plan goal for someone on guaifenesin for chest congestion?
Increase fluid intake – helps loosen mucus and makes the med more effective.
Patient using beclomethasone regularly – symptom that means they’re not using it correctly?
Frequent oral thrush – might not be rinsing mouth after use, which increases risk of
infection.
First thing to check before giving codeine for a cough?
Respiratory rate – codeine is a CNS depressant and can cause respiratory depression.
Parent asks about OTC cold medicine for a 2-year-old – best response?
Avoid giving it – these meds aren’t safe or effective in very young kids and could cause side
effects.
Expect action if someone taking phenylephrine reports palpitations and jitteriness?
Possibly reduce dose or discontinue – those are signs of systemic absorption and
overstimulation.
, 4
Client prescribed long-term prednisone for respiratory condition – what to monitor regularly?
Blood glucose and bone density – it can mess with sugar levels and weaken bones over time.
Client receiving formoterol as part of asthma treatment – teaching to include?
It’s not for quick relief – it’s a long-acting bronchodilator, not a rescue inhaler.
Patient complains of rebound congestion after using nasal spray too long – likely cause?
Using decongestant sprays like oxymetazoline for more than 3 days – causes rebound
swelling.
Client using salmeterol and fluticasone combo – what shows good understanding?
“I’ll keep taking it every day even if I feel fine” – it’s for long-term control, not quick relief.
Signs that a patient may be overusing their rescue inhaler?
Using it more than twice a week – shows poor asthma control and they might need an
adjustment in meds.
Monitoring need when a client is started on oral phenylephrine?
Blood pressure – it can raise it quite a bit, especially if they already have cardiovascular
risks.
ATI Pharmacology 2025/2026| The
Respiratory System Test| Exam
Questions and Answers| Approved
A client starts albuterol therapy for asthma – key priority before administering the first dose?
Check heart rate – albuterol can cause tachycardia, especially in sensitive patients or if
they’ve never taken it before.
A client receiving theophylline reports nausea and insomnia – nursing action?
Report to provider – those are early signs of theophylline toxicity and levels may be too
high.
Patient taking ipratropium complains of dry mouth – best action to suggest?
Offer to suck on sugar-free candy or sip water – it's a common side effect and this helps
relieve it.
Client has persistent dry cough after starting an ACE inhibitor – medication to expect instead?
Likely switch to an ARB like losartan – it works similarly but doesn’t usually cause that
annoying cough.
Patient on zileuton for chronic asthma reports dark urine – priority concern?
Possible liver damage – check liver function tests and report symptoms ASAP.
, 2
Client prescribed diphenhydramine for seasonal allergies – side effect to watch for with driving?
Drowsiness and slowed reaction time – it’s sedating, so not safe to drive until you know how
it affects them.
After administering intranasal glucocorticoid, next important instruction for the patient?
Rinse mouth or throat to prevent irritation or possible yeast infections from the steroid.
Nursing action for a child taking montelukast daily for asthma control?
Give it in the evening – that’s when it works best to prevent nighttime symptoms.
Key teaching for someone using pseudoephedrine for nasal congestion?
Watch for increased blood pressure – especially if they already have hypertension.
Client prescribed acetylcysteine – therapeutic goal in respiratory care?
Breaks up thick mucus – makes it easier to clear, especially in conditions like cystic fibrosis
or COPD.
Patient on fluticasone via inhaler – proper sequence if also prescribed albuterol?
Take albuterol first to open airways, then fluticasone to get better steroid delivery.
Sign of a serious reaction to cromolyn sodium that needs urgent attention?
Wheezing or bronchospasm after inhalation – stop the drug and notify provider.
, 3
Client reports tremors after using short-acting beta-2 agonist – next step?
Reassure them it’s a common side effect, but monitor in case it worsens or interferes with
daily activities.
Care plan goal for someone on guaifenesin for chest congestion?
Increase fluid intake – helps loosen mucus and makes the med more effective.
Patient using beclomethasone regularly – symptom that means they’re not using it correctly?
Frequent oral thrush – might not be rinsing mouth after use, which increases risk of
infection.
First thing to check before giving codeine for a cough?
Respiratory rate – codeine is a CNS depressant and can cause respiratory depression.
Parent asks about OTC cold medicine for a 2-year-old – best response?
Avoid giving it – these meds aren’t safe or effective in very young kids and could cause side
effects.
Expect action if someone taking phenylephrine reports palpitations and jitteriness?
Possibly reduce dose or discontinue – those are signs of systemic absorption and
overstimulation.
, 4
Client prescribed long-term prednisone for respiratory condition – what to monitor regularly?
Blood glucose and bone density – it can mess with sugar levels and weaken bones over time.
Client receiving formoterol as part of asthma treatment – teaching to include?
It’s not for quick relief – it’s a long-acting bronchodilator, not a rescue inhaler.
Patient complains of rebound congestion after using nasal spray too long – likely cause?
Using decongestant sprays like oxymetazoline for more than 3 days – causes rebound
swelling.
Client using salmeterol and fluticasone combo – what shows good understanding?
“I’ll keep taking it every day even if I feel fine” – it’s for long-term control, not quick relief.
Signs that a patient may be overusing their rescue inhaler?
Using it more than twice a week – shows poor asthma control and they might need an
adjustment in meds.
Monitoring need when a client is started on oral phenylephrine?
Blood pressure – it can raise it quite a bit, especially if they already have cardiovascular
risks.
