of the Family Wk 2 Final Exam v1 | Questions with
Correct Answers and Expert Explanation for Each
Question | Chamberlain
1. A 24-year-old patient with asthma requires a medication for the immediate relief of
acute bronchospasm. Which of the following is the most appropriate choice?
A. Salmeterol
B. Fluticasone
C. Albuterol
D. Tiotropium
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) designed for
rapid relief of acute symptoms. It works by stimulating beta-2 receptors in the lungs
to cause bronchodilation. Other options like Salmeterol or Fluticasone are
maintenance medications and do not act quickly enough for acute attacks.
2. When educating a patient on the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) like
fluticasone, which instruction is most important to prevent a common local side
effect?
A. Rinse the mouth with water and spit after each use.
,B. Take the medication only when feeling short of breath.
C. Limit fluid intake for one hour after inhalation.
D. Use a spacer only if you are under the age of 12.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Rinsing the mouth helps prevent the development of
oropharyngeal candidiasis, also known as thrush. Inhaled corticosteroids can
suppress local immune responses in the mouth if residue remains. This practice
significantly reduces the risk of fungal overgrowth in the oral cavity.
3. A patient is prescribed Salmeterol for maintenance of asthma. Which of the
following is a critical safety warning regarding the use of Long-Acting Beta Agonists
(LABAs) as monotherapy?
A. They are the preferred first-line treatment for acute attacks.
B. They should be taken every 4 hours for maximum efficacy.
C. They have no risk of cardiovascular side effects.
D. They should always be used in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: LABAs used alone in asthma are associated with an increased
risk of asthma-related death. They must be used in conjunction with an anti-
,inflammatory agent like an inhaled corticosteroid. This combination therapy
addresses both bronchodilation and underlying airway inflammation.
4. Which of the following is a potential side effect of systemic (oral) corticosteroid use
for a severe asthma exacerbation?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Hyperglycemia
C. Weight loss
D. Hypotension
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Systemic corticosteroids can lead to elevated blood glucose
levels through increased gluconeogenesis. Patients with diabetes may require closer
monitoring of their blood sugar during a course of oral prednisone. Other long-term
effects include weight gain and potential hypertension, rather than hypotension or
weight loss.
5. A 65-year-old patient with COPD is prescribed Tiotropium. What is the mechanism
of action for this medication?
A. Short-acting beta-2 agonist
B. Mast cell stabilizer
, C. Leukotriene receptor antagonist
D. Long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA)
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Tiotropium is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist that blocks
acetylcholine receptors in the airways. This action results in prolonged
bronchodilation by preventing smooth muscle contraction. It is a cornerstone of
maintenance therapy for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
6. Which medication is known to have a narrow therapeutic index and requires
monitoring of serum levels to prevent toxicity?
A. Montelukast
B. Cetirizine
C. Guaifenesin
D. Theophylline
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Theophylline is a methylxanthine that requires serum level
monitoring to ensure it remains within the 5 to 15 mcg/mL range. Toxicity can lead
to severe symptoms such as cardiac arrhythmias and seizures. Due to these risks