Chapter 38 Respiratory Drugs
Sealock Lilley’s Pharmacology for Canadian Health Care Practice
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A patient is taking aminophylline intravenously for a severe exacerbation of chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease. Which effect does the nurse expect to note when evaluating for a therapeutic
response to the medication?
a. Drowsiness
b. Increased heart rate
c. Increased respiratory rate
d. Increased ease of breathing
ANS D
The therapeutic effects of bronchodilating drugs such as xanthine derivatives include increased ease of
breathing.
DIF Cognitive Level Comprehension
2. Which is an adverse effect associated with the use of xanthine derivatives?
a. Diarrhea
b. Palpitations c. Bradycardia d. Drowsiness
ANS B
Common adverse effects of xanthine derivatives include palpitations, sinus tachycardia, extrasystole
nausea, vomiting, anorexia,
and transient increased urination.
, DIF Cognitive Level Comprehension
3. What is the rationale for using inhaled budesonide (Pulmicort®)?
a. It causes bronchodilation.
b. It thins bronchial secretions.
c. It inhibits the activity of -agonists.
d. It provides an anti-inflammatory response. ANS D
Inhaled budesonide is administered for its anti-inflammatory effects. Corticosteroids act by stabilizing the
membranes that normally release harmful bronchoconstricting substances.
DIF Cognitive Level Knowledge
4. A patient has been prescribed a respiratory corticosteriod medication. What should the nurse tell this
patient about the proper method for taking this medication?
a. Rinsing of the mouth after using the inhaler is recommended.
b. The tubings and mouthpieces should be cleaned with only hot water.
c. The medication is to be inhaled deeply, with the head tipped backward to maximize opening of the
airway.
d. After taking an inhaler medication, the patient should remove the inhaler and hold the breath for
at least 20 seconds.
ANS A
Rinsing of the mouth after using an inhaler or nebulizer is recommended in order to prevent fungal
infections. Nebulizer tubings and mouthpieces should be cleaned with soap, water, and white vinegar.
With intranasal dosage forms, the medication should be inhaled with the head tipped slightly forward.
DIF Cognitive Level Analysis
5. The physician has prescribed fluticasone (Flovent®) to treat a patient’s asthma. What important
information should the nurse
Sealock Lilley’s Pharmacology for Canadian Health Care Practice
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A patient is taking aminophylline intravenously for a severe exacerbation of chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease. Which effect does the nurse expect to note when evaluating for a therapeutic
response to the medication?
a. Drowsiness
b. Increased heart rate
c. Increased respiratory rate
d. Increased ease of breathing
ANS D
The therapeutic effects of bronchodilating drugs such as xanthine derivatives include increased ease of
breathing.
DIF Cognitive Level Comprehension
2. Which is an adverse effect associated with the use of xanthine derivatives?
a. Diarrhea
b. Palpitations c. Bradycardia d. Drowsiness
ANS B
Common adverse effects of xanthine derivatives include palpitations, sinus tachycardia, extrasystole
nausea, vomiting, anorexia,
and transient increased urination.
, DIF Cognitive Level Comprehension
3. What is the rationale for using inhaled budesonide (Pulmicort®)?
a. It causes bronchodilation.
b. It thins bronchial secretions.
c. It inhibits the activity of -agonists.
d. It provides an anti-inflammatory response. ANS D
Inhaled budesonide is administered for its anti-inflammatory effects. Corticosteroids act by stabilizing the
membranes that normally release harmful bronchoconstricting substances.
DIF Cognitive Level Knowledge
4. A patient has been prescribed a respiratory corticosteriod medication. What should the nurse tell this
patient about the proper method for taking this medication?
a. Rinsing of the mouth after using the inhaler is recommended.
b. The tubings and mouthpieces should be cleaned with only hot water.
c. The medication is to be inhaled deeply, with the head tipped backward to maximize opening of the
airway.
d. After taking an inhaler medication, the patient should remove the inhaler and hold the breath for
at least 20 seconds.
ANS A
Rinsing of the mouth after using an inhaler or nebulizer is recommended in order to prevent fungal
infections. Nebulizer tubings and mouthpieces should be cleaned with soap, water, and white vinegar.
With intranasal dosage forms, the medication should be inhaled with the head tipped slightly forward.
DIF Cognitive Level Analysis
5. The physician has prescribed fluticasone (Flovent®) to treat a patient’s asthma. What important
information should the nurse
