South University | NSG 6001: Advanced Pharmacology
Week 5 Quiz | Questions and Answers
Part A: Pulmonary Pharmacology
Q1: For a patient with persistent asthma, the preferred controller medication according
to current guidelines is:
● A. Short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) PRN
● B. Low-dose inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) [CORRECT]
● C. Oral theophylline
● D. Long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the foundation of controller therapy for
persistent asthma in adults and children. They reduce airway inflammation and are the
most effective medication for achieving long-term control. SABAs (A) are for quick
relief/rescue only. LAMAs (D) are primarily for COPD, though they may be used as
add-on therapy in severe asthma. Theophylline (C) is a third-line/add-on therapy due to
narrow therapeutic index and drug interactions.
Q2: A key teaching point for a patient prescribed both a maintenance ICS/LABA
combination inhaler (e.g., fluticasone/salmeterol) and a SABA rescue inhaler (albuterol)
is:
● A. Use the ICS/LABA inhaler for acute shortness of breath.
● B. Use the SABA for acute symptoms and the ICS/LABA daily for long-term
control, even when feeling well. [CORRECT]
● C. The ICS/LABA should be discontinued if the SABA is used more than twice a
week.
● D. Both inhalers should be used at the same time each day.
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Critical patient education: The ICS/LABA is a controller used daily to prevent
symptoms, and the SABA is a reliever used PRN for acute symptoms. Patients must
understand this distinction to avoid over-reliance on rescue therapy (indicating poor
control) and to ensure adherence to the controller medication. Using ICS/LABA for
acute relief (A) is ineffective for immediate bronchodilation. Discontinuing the controller
(C) would worsen control—instead, increased SABA use signals need for step-up
therapy. SABA timing is symptom-driven, not scheduled (D is false).
Q3: According to the 2024 GOLD Guidelines, initial pharmacotherapy for a patient with
COPD and frequent exacerbations should include:
● A. SABA PRN only
● B. Long-acting bronchodilator (LAMA or LABA) [CORRECT]
● C. Inhaled corticosteroid monotherapy
● D. Oral corticosteroids daily
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The GOLD 2024 strategy recommends long-acting bronchodilators (LAMAs
or LABAs) as the foundation of COPD maintenance therapy. For patients with frequent
exacerbations, LAMAs are often preferred initially due to superior exacerbation
reduction. SABA PRN (A) is insufficient for maintenance. ICS monotherapy (C) is not
recommended for COPD (unlike asthma). Daily oral corticosteroids (D) are not indicated
due to systemic adverse effects; inhaled therapy is preferred.
Q4: When educating a patient on dry powder inhaler (DPI) technique, the APRN must
emphasize:
● A. Shaking the device vigorously before each use.
Week 5 Quiz | Questions and Answers
Part A: Pulmonary Pharmacology
Q1: For a patient with persistent asthma, the preferred controller medication according
to current guidelines is:
● A. Short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) PRN
● B. Low-dose inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) [CORRECT]
● C. Oral theophylline
● D. Long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the foundation of controller therapy for
persistent asthma in adults and children. They reduce airway inflammation and are the
most effective medication for achieving long-term control. SABAs (A) are for quick
relief/rescue only. LAMAs (D) are primarily for COPD, though they may be used as
add-on therapy in severe asthma. Theophylline (C) is a third-line/add-on therapy due to
narrow therapeutic index and drug interactions.
Q2: A key teaching point for a patient prescribed both a maintenance ICS/LABA
combination inhaler (e.g., fluticasone/salmeterol) and a SABA rescue inhaler (albuterol)
is:
● A. Use the ICS/LABA inhaler for acute shortness of breath.
● B. Use the SABA for acute symptoms and the ICS/LABA daily for long-term
control, even when feeling well. [CORRECT]
● C. The ICS/LABA should be discontinued if the SABA is used more than twice a
week.
● D. Both inhalers should be used at the same time each day.
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Critical patient education: The ICS/LABA is a controller used daily to prevent
symptoms, and the SABA is a reliever used PRN for acute symptoms. Patients must
understand this distinction to avoid over-reliance on rescue therapy (indicating poor
control) and to ensure adherence to the controller medication. Using ICS/LABA for
acute relief (A) is ineffective for immediate bronchodilation. Discontinuing the controller
(C) would worsen control—instead, increased SABA use signals need for step-up
therapy. SABA timing is symptom-driven, not scheduled (D is false).
Q3: According to the 2024 GOLD Guidelines, initial pharmacotherapy for a patient with
COPD and frequent exacerbations should include:
● A. SABA PRN only
● B. Long-acting bronchodilator (LAMA or LABA) [CORRECT]
● C. Inhaled corticosteroid monotherapy
● D. Oral corticosteroids daily
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The GOLD 2024 strategy recommends long-acting bronchodilators (LAMAs
or LABAs) as the foundation of COPD maintenance therapy. For patients with frequent
exacerbations, LAMAs are often preferred initially due to superior exacerbation
reduction. SABA PRN (A) is insufficient for maintenance. ICS monotherapy (C) is not
recommended for COPD (unlike asthma). Daily oral corticosteroids (D) are not indicated
due to systemic adverse effects; inhaled therapy is preferred.
Q4: When educating a patient on dry powder inhaler (DPI) technique, the APRN must
emphasize:
● A. Shaking the device vigorously before each use.
