1
ATI Respiratory Medications and
Management| Exam Questions and
Answers (2025/2026)| Latest Update
A patient with asthma is prescribed salbutamol. How would you check if it's working effectively
during your assessment?
Check for easier breathing, reduced wheeze, and improved peak flow. If they can talk in full
sentences again or say they feel relief quickly, that’s a good sign it’s working.
During your assessment, a patient on a nebulised bronchodilator becomes tachycardic. What
should you do?
Stop the nebuliser and check vitals. Beta-agonists like salbutamol can cause fast heart rate.
Report it and get advice before restarting.
A patient with COPD is on tiotropium. What teaching would you give about this medication?
Tell them it’s a long-acting inhaler, not for quick relief, and to rinse their mouth after use to
avoid dry mouth or throat irritation.
You’re doing a medication round and notice a patient on both salmeterol and salbutamol. How
would you explain the difference to them?
Salmeterol’s a long-acting inhaler to prevent symptoms, salbutamol’s short-acting for quick
relief. They work differently but together.
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What signs would make you question if a patient on salbutamol is overusing it?
Using it more than 3–4 times a day, shaky hands, high heart rate, and saying it’s “not
working like before.” All signs they might be overusing.
A patient prescribed corticosteroid inhalers asks why they need to rinse their mouth. What would
you say?
To prevent oral thrush. Steroids can cause a fungal infection in the mouth if not rinsed out.
You’re checking a patient’s meds and see montelukast. What would make you question if it’s
helping?
If they’re still waking up coughing or using their rescue inhaler every day, montelukast
might not be controlling their symptoms.
A nurse is giving salbutamol via spacer. What should they check before and after?
Check the patient’s respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and how breathless they feel before
and after to see if there’s any improvement.
A patient with asthma is nervous about using their inhaler in public. What advice could help
them?
Suggest a spacer – it’s quicker and easier to use. Reassure them it’s normal, and some
inhalers are small and discreet.
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You’re giving a steroid inhaler. What time of day is usually best and why?
Usually morning, because it mimics the body’s natural cortisol rhythm and reduces the
chance of insomnia.
During obs, you notice a COPD patient on theophylline looks jittery and nauseous. What do you
do?
Suspect theophylline toxicity – check the drug level if possible and report it. It has a narrow
safety range.
A patient using a dry powder inhaler says they’re not feeling any spray. What do you say?
That’s normal – dry powder inhalers don’t have a “puff” feeling. Check their technique to
make sure they’re still inhaling properly.
You’re checking a prescription for ipratropium. What conditions would make you double check
before giving it?
Glaucoma and urinary retention – anticholinergic meds like ipratropium can make both
worse.
A patient prescribed steroids is asking why they have to taper off. What’s the reason?
Steroids affect your adrenal glands – stopping suddenly can cause adrenal crisis. Tapering
lets the body adjust.
ATI Respiratory Medications and
Management| Exam Questions and
Answers (2025/2026)| Latest Update
A patient with asthma is prescribed salbutamol. How would you check if it's working effectively
during your assessment?
Check for easier breathing, reduced wheeze, and improved peak flow. If they can talk in full
sentences again or say they feel relief quickly, that’s a good sign it’s working.
During your assessment, a patient on a nebulised bronchodilator becomes tachycardic. What
should you do?
Stop the nebuliser and check vitals. Beta-agonists like salbutamol can cause fast heart rate.
Report it and get advice before restarting.
A patient with COPD is on tiotropium. What teaching would you give about this medication?
Tell them it’s a long-acting inhaler, not for quick relief, and to rinse their mouth after use to
avoid dry mouth or throat irritation.
You’re doing a medication round and notice a patient on both salmeterol and salbutamol. How
would you explain the difference to them?
Salmeterol’s a long-acting inhaler to prevent symptoms, salbutamol’s short-acting for quick
relief. They work differently but together.
, 2
What signs would make you question if a patient on salbutamol is overusing it?
Using it more than 3–4 times a day, shaky hands, high heart rate, and saying it’s “not
working like before.” All signs they might be overusing.
A patient prescribed corticosteroid inhalers asks why they need to rinse their mouth. What would
you say?
To prevent oral thrush. Steroids can cause a fungal infection in the mouth if not rinsed out.
You’re checking a patient’s meds and see montelukast. What would make you question if it’s
helping?
If they’re still waking up coughing or using their rescue inhaler every day, montelukast
might not be controlling their symptoms.
A nurse is giving salbutamol via spacer. What should they check before and after?
Check the patient’s respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and how breathless they feel before
and after to see if there’s any improvement.
A patient with asthma is nervous about using their inhaler in public. What advice could help
them?
Suggest a spacer – it’s quicker and easier to use. Reassure them it’s normal, and some
inhalers are small and discreet.
, 3
You’re giving a steroid inhaler. What time of day is usually best and why?
Usually morning, because it mimics the body’s natural cortisol rhythm and reduces the
chance of insomnia.
During obs, you notice a COPD patient on theophylline looks jittery and nauseous. What do you
do?
Suspect theophylline toxicity – check the drug level if possible and report it. It has a narrow
safety range.
A patient using a dry powder inhaler says they’re not feeling any spray. What do you say?
That’s normal – dry powder inhalers don’t have a “puff” feeling. Check their technique to
make sure they’re still inhaling properly.
You’re checking a prescription for ipratropium. What conditions would make you double check
before giving it?
Glaucoma and urinary retention – anticholinergic meds like ipratropium can make both
worse.
A patient prescribed steroids is asking why they have to taper off. What’s the reason?
Steroids affect your adrenal glands – stopping suddenly can cause adrenal crisis. Tapering
lets the body adjust.
