RESPIRATORY DRUGS AND MEDICATIONS
NURSING PHARMACOLOGY
Respiratory Drugs and Medications Nursing Pharmacology – 2026–2027 Updated Exam 100%
(VERIFIED ANSWERS)|A+ GRADE BRAND NEW
Subject Analysis: Clinical Nursing Pharmacology of the Respiratory System, Pulmonary Therapeutics,
and Tuberculosis Management Standards.
Target Exam Standard: 2026–2027 Clinical Update & Assessment Guidelines (100% Verified
Answers).
Question Bank Size: 130 Highly Rigorous, Peer-Reviewed, Student-Friendly Practice Questions.
Learning Architecture: This exam test bank covers core topics across five critical therapeutic classes:
Bronchodilators & Inhaled Therapeutics, Anticholinergics & Inhaler Technique Criteria, Corticosteroids
& Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists, Mucolytics, Decongestants, & Antihistamine Safety, and Primary
& Second-Line Anti-Tuberculosis Pharmacotherapy.
CHAPTER 1: BRONCHODILATORS & INHALED THERAPEUTICS (SABA, LABA,
METHYLXANTHINES)
Page 1
,RESPIRATORY PHARMACOLOGY EXAM TEST BANK 2026–2027 UPDATE EXAM
Question 1: A cromolyn sodium (Intal) inhaler is prescribed to a client with asthma. A
nurse provides instructions regarding the side effects of this medication. The nurse tells
the client to immediately report which of the following side effects?
A. Sore throat
B. Drowsiness
C. Wheezing
D. Hypotension
ANSWER ■: C — Wheezing
Explanation: Cromolyn sodium (Intal) is a mast cell stabilizer used to prevent asthma attacks in
individuals with bronchial asthma. Serious side effects associated with the use of this inhaler are
wheezing, bronchospasm, chest tightness, skin rash, hives, itching, and swelling of the face, lips,
throat, or tongue. If wheezing occurs, it represents a paradoxical bronchospasm that must be
reported immediately. Sore throat and drowsiness (Options A and B) are expected or minor side
effects of cromolyn sodium. Hypotension (Option D) is not a direct or recognized adverse effect of
this medication.
Question 2: A client is prescribed with guaifenesin (Mucinex). The nurse determines that
the client understands the proper administration of this medication if the client states that
he or she will:
A. Limit oral fluid intake
B. Take the medication with meals only
C. Take an additional dose once fever and cough persist
D. Drink extra fluids while taking this medication
ANSWER ■: D — Drink extra fluids while taking this medication
Explanation: Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It works by thinning and loosening bronchial
secretions, making it easier to cough up excessive mucus and clear chest congestion. Drinking
extra fluids (Option D) is critical because hydration helps to break up and liquefy mucus, allowing
the medication to work effectively. Limiting fluids (Option A) would counteract the drug's therapeutic
effect. Taking the medication with meals (Option B) is not required for absorption. Taking additional
doses without a prescription (Option C) is unsafe and could lead to toxicity.
Page 2
,RESPIRATORY PHARMACOLOGY EXAM TEST BANK 2026–2027 UPDATE EXAM
Question 3: A nurse is about to administer albuterol (Ventolin HFA) 2 puffs and
budesonide (Pulmicort Turbohaler) 2 puffs by a metered-dose inhaler. The nurse plans to
administer the medications by which of the following protocols?
A. Alternating with a single puff each, starting with albuterol
B. Albuterol inhaler first, then the budesonide
C. Alternating with a single puff each, starting with budesonide
D. Budesonide inhaler first, then the albuterol
ANSWER ■: B — Albuterol inhaler first, then the budesonide
Explanation: When a client is prescribed two different inhaled medications, one of which is a
bronchodilator (such as albuterol) and the other is a corticosteroid (such as budesonide), the nurse
must always administer the bronchodilator first. Albuterol rapidly dilates the bronchioles, which
increases the surface area of the airway and allows the corticosteroid to penetrate deeper and be
absorbed more effectively. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because alternating the puffs or
administering the corticosteroid first would severely compromise the clinical efficacy of the
corticosteroid therapy.
Page 3
, RESPIRATORY PHARMACOLOGY EXAM TEST BANK 2026–2027 UPDATE EXAM
Question 4: A nurse is about to administer naloxone hydrochloride (Narcan) to a client
with a known opioid overdose. Which of the following equipment should be readily
available at the bedside?
A. Suction machine
B. Nasogastric tube
C. Resuscitative equipment
D. Dressing tray
ANSWER ■: C — Resuscitative equipment
Explanation: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to rapidly reverse respiratory depression,
sedation, and hypotension caused by an opioid overdose. Administering naloxone can trigger acute,
severe withdrawal symptoms, including severe agitation, vomiting, and pulmonary edema. Because
an opioid overdose is life-threatening and respiratory status can fluctuate rapidly as naloxone wears
off, resuscitation equipment, oxygen, and mechanical ventilation devices must be immediately
available at the bedside. Options A, B, and D are not the priority life-saving tools required during this
acute emergency.
Page 4
NURSING PHARMACOLOGY
Respiratory Drugs and Medications Nursing Pharmacology – 2026–2027 Updated Exam 100%
(VERIFIED ANSWERS)|A+ GRADE BRAND NEW
Subject Analysis: Clinical Nursing Pharmacology of the Respiratory System, Pulmonary Therapeutics,
and Tuberculosis Management Standards.
Target Exam Standard: 2026–2027 Clinical Update & Assessment Guidelines (100% Verified
Answers).
Question Bank Size: 130 Highly Rigorous, Peer-Reviewed, Student-Friendly Practice Questions.
Learning Architecture: This exam test bank covers core topics across five critical therapeutic classes:
Bronchodilators & Inhaled Therapeutics, Anticholinergics & Inhaler Technique Criteria, Corticosteroids
& Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists, Mucolytics, Decongestants, & Antihistamine Safety, and Primary
& Second-Line Anti-Tuberculosis Pharmacotherapy.
CHAPTER 1: BRONCHODILATORS & INHALED THERAPEUTICS (SABA, LABA,
METHYLXANTHINES)
Page 1
,RESPIRATORY PHARMACOLOGY EXAM TEST BANK 2026–2027 UPDATE EXAM
Question 1: A cromolyn sodium (Intal) inhaler is prescribed to a client with asthma. A
nurse provides instructions regarding the side effects of this medication. The nurse tells
the client to immediately report which of the following side effects?
A. Sore throat
B. Drowsiness
C. Wheezing
D. Hypotension
ANSWER ■: C — Wheezing
Explanation: Cromolyn sodium (Intal) is a mast cell stabilizer used to prevent asthma attacks in
individuals with bronchial asthma. Serious side effects associated with the use of this inhaler are
wheezing, bronchospasm, chest tightness, skin rash, hives, itching, and swelling of the face, lips,
throat, or tongue. If wheezing occurs, it represents a paradoxical bronchospasm that must be
reported immediately. Sore throat and drowsiness (Options A and B) are expected or minor side
effects of cromolyn sodium. Hypotension (Option D) is not a direct or recognized adverse effect of
this medication.
Question 2: A client is prescribed with guaifenesin (Mucinex). The nurse determines that
the client understands the proper administration of this medication if the client states that
he or she will:
A. Limit oral fluid intake
B. Take the medication with meals only
C. Take an additional dose once fever and cough persist
D. Drink extra fluids while taking this medication
ANSWER ■: D — Drink extra fluids while taking this medication
Explanation: Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It works by thinning and loosening bronchial
secretions, making it easier to cough up excessive mucus and clear chest congestion. Drinking
extra fluids (Option D) is critical because hydration helps to break up and liquefy mucus, allowing
the medication to work effectively. Limiting fluids (Option A) would counteract the drug's therapeutic
effect. Taking the medication with meals (Option B) is not required for absorption. Taking additional
doses without a prescription (Option C) is unsafe and could lead to toxicity.
Page 2
,RESPIRATORY PHARMACOLOGY EXAM TEST BANK 2026–2027 UPDATE EXAM
Question 3: A nurse is about to administer albuterol (Ventolin HFA) 2 puffs and
budesonide (Pulmicort Turbohaler) 2 puffs by a metered-dose inhaler. The nurse plans to
administer the medications by which of the following protocols?
A. Alternating with a single puff each, starting with albuterol
B. Albuterol inhaler first, then the budesonide
C. Alternating with a single puff each, starting with budesonide
D. Budesonide inhaler first, then the albuterol
ANSWER ■: B — Albuterol inhaler first, then the budesonide
Explanation: When a client is prescribed two different inhaled medications, one of which is a
bronchodilator (such as albuterol) and the other is a corticosteroid (such as budesonide), the nurse
must always administer the bronchodilator first. Albuterol rapidly dilates the bronchioles, which
increases the surface area of the airway and allows the corticosteroid to penetrate deeper and be
absorbed more effectively. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because alternating the puffs or
administering the corticosteroid first would severely compromise the clinical efficacy of the
corticosteroid therapy.
Page 3
, RESPIRATORY PHARMACOLOGY EXAM TEST BANK 2026–2027 UPDATE EXAM
Question 4: A nurse is about to administer naloxone hydrochloride (Narcan) to a client
with a known opioid overdose. Which of the following equipment should be readily
available at the bedside?
A. Suction machine
B. Nasogastric tube
C. Resuscitative equipment
D. Dressing tray
ANSWER ■: C — Resuscitative equipment
Explanation: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to rapidly reverse respiratory depression,
sedation, and hypotension caused by an opioid overdose. Administering naloxone can trigger acute,
severe withdrawal symptoms, including severe agitation, vomiting, and pulmonary edema. Because
an opioid overdose is life-threatening and respiratory status can fluctuate rapidly as naloxone wears
off, resuscitation equipment, oxygen, and mechanical ventilation devices must be immediately
available at the bedside. Options A, B, and D are not the priority life-saving tools required during this
acute emergency.
Page 4
