NURS 572 Pharm Exam 2 Questions & answers Latest
Update 2026.
Definition of asthma and underlying cause
chronic inflammatory disorder of the airway- cause is immune-mediated airway inflammation
S&S of asthma
-Sense of breathlessness & tightness in the chest
-Wheezing
-Dyspnea
-Cough
Definition of COPD and most common cause
-Chronic, progressive, largely irreversible disorder characterized by airflow restrictions and
inflammation
-Common cause is smoking cigarettes
S&S of COPD
-chronic cough
-excessive sputum production
-wheezing
-dyspnea
-poor exercise tolerance
What two conditions make up COPD
,1. Chronic bronchitis
2. Emphysema
What are the 3 advantages of administering inhaled antiasthma drugs?
1. Therapeutic effects enhanced by delivering drugs directly to site of action
2. Systemic effects minimized
3. Rapid relief of acute attacks
What type of drugs are used for long-term management of asthma and COPD?
Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as glucocorticoids
What is the prototype drug for glucocorticoids?
Beclomethasone (QVAR)
MOA of Beclomethasone (QVAR)
-Reduce asthma symptoms by suppressing inflammation:
->Decrease synthesis and release of inflammatory mediators (i.e. leukotrienes, histamine,
prostaglandins)
-> Decreased infiltration and activity of inflammatory cells (e.g. eosinophils, leukocytes)
-> Decreased edema of airway mucosa
,-Suppressing inflammatory reduces bronchial hyperreactiviy and decreases airway mucosa
production
Therapeutic uses of Beclomethasone (QVAR)
-Prophylaxis of chronic asthma
ADEs of inhaled glucocorticoids
-Adrenal insufficiency (SAFETY ALERT)
-Oropharyngeal candidiasis and dysphonia
-Slowed growth in children
-Bone loss
ADEs of oral glucorticoids
-Adrenal suppression
-Osteoporosis
-Hyperglycemia
-Peptic ulcer disease
-Growth suppression
Nursing implications for Beclomethasone (QVAR)
-Instruct Pt to take on a regular schedule, not PRN
Non-prototype drug for Mast Cell Stabilizer
Cromolyn (Intal)
Cromolyn MOA
, -Suppresses inflammation by stabilizing the cytoplasmic membrane of mast cells ,preventing
release of histamine and other mediators
Therapeutic uses of Cromolyn
-Prophylaxis for mild-moderate chronic asthma
->NOT for quick relief
->Used when glucocorticoids create problems
Purpose of bronchodilators
Provide symptomatic relief in patients with asthma and COPD, but do not alter underlying
inflammation
What type of drug is the most effective for relieving acute bronchospasm and preventing
EIB?
inhaled beta2 agonists
Beta2 agonist MOA
-Sympathomimetic drugs that activate beta2-adrenergic receptors in the smooth muscle of the
lungs
->Promotes bronchodilation--> relieves bronchospasm
Therapeutic uses of short acting beta2 agonists (SABAs)
-Taken PRN to stop an ongoing attack
-In Pts w/ EIB, SABAs are taken before exercise
SABA safety alert
Update 2026.
Definition of asthma and underlying cause
chronic inflammatory disorder of the airway- cause is immune-mediated airway inflammation
S&S of asthma
-Sense of breathlessness & tightness in the chest
-Wheezing
-Dyspnea
-Cough
Definition of COPD and most common cause
-Chronic, progressive, largely irreversible disorder characterized by airflow restrictions and
inflammation
-Common cause is smoking cigarettes
S&S of COPD
-chronic cough
-excessive sputum production
-wheezing
-dyspnea
-poor exercise tolerance
What two conditions make up COPD
,1. Chronic bronchitis
2. Emphysema
What are the 3 advantages of administering inhaled antiasthma drugs?
1. Therapeutic effects enhanced by delivering drugs directly to site of action
2. Systemic effects minimized
3. Rapid relief of acute attacks
What type of drugs are used for long-term management of asthma and COPD?
Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as glucocorticoids
What is the prototype drug for glucocorticoids?
Beclomethasone (QVAR)
MOA of Beclomethasone (QVAR)
-Reduce asthma symptoms by suppressing inflammation:
->Decrease synthesis and release of inflammatory mediators (i.e. leukotrienes, histamine,
prostaglandins)
-> Decreased infiltration and activity of inflammatory cells (e.g. eosinophils, leukocytes)
-> Decreased edema of airway mucosa
,-Suppressing inflammatory reduces bronchial hyperreactiviy and decreases airway mucosa
production
Therapeutic uses of Beclomethasone (QVAR)
-Prophylaxis of chronic asthma
ADEs of inhaled glucocorticoids
-Adrenal insufficiency (SAFETY ALERT)
-Oropharyngeal candidiasis and dysphonia
-Slowed growth in children
-Bone loss
ADEs of oral glucorticoids
-Adrenal suppression
-Osteoporosis
-Hyperglycemia
-Peptic ulcer disease
-Growth suppression
Nursing implications for Beclomethasone (QVAR)
-Instruct Pt to take on a regular schedule, not PRN
Non-prototype drug for Mast Cell Stabilizer
Cromolyn (Intal)
Cromolyn MOA
, -Suppresses inflammation by stabilizing the cytoplasmic membrane of mast cells ,preventing
release of histamine and other mediators
Therapeutic uses of Cromolyn
-Prophylaxis for mild-moderate chronic asthma
->NOT for quick relief
->Used when glucocorticoids create problems
Purpose of bronchodilators
Provide symptomatic relief in patients with asthma and COPD, but do not alter underlying
inflammation
What type of drug is the most effective for relieving acute bronchospasm and preventing
EIB?
inhaled beta2 agonists
Beta2 agonist MOA
-Sympathomimetic drugs that activate beta2-adrenergic receptors in the smooth muscle of the
lungs
->Promotes bronchodilation--> relieves bronchospasm
Therapeutic uses of short acting beta2 agonists (SABAs)
-Taken PRN to stop an ongoing attack
-In Pts w/ EIB, SABAs are taken before exercise
SABA safety alert
