Chapter 37: 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 - ANSANS: 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 - ANSANS: 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) - ANSANS: 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.
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 - ANSANS: 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 - ANSANS: 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) - ANSANS: 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.
