PRN 1381/PRN1381 Exam 3 V3 | Principles
of Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A patient with asthma is prescribed albuterol via a metered-dose inhaler. What is the
primary mechanism of action for this medication?
A. Inhibits leukotriene receptors
B. Reduces systemic inflammation
C. Blocks cholinergic receptors
D. Stimulates beta-2 receptors in the lungs
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that works by
stimulating beta-2 receptors in the lungs to cause rapid bronchodilation. It is primarily
used for quick relief of acute asthma symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath.
Nurses should monitor for side effects like tachycardia, tremors, and anxiety during
administration.
2. Which instruction should the nurse include when teaching a patient about using a
corticosteroid inhaler like beclomethasone?
A. Check your pulse before taking the medication
B. Use it only for acute asthma attacks
,C. Take it with food to avoid GI upset
D. Rinse your mouth with water after each use
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Beclomethasone is an inhaled corticosteroid used for the long-term
management and prevention of asthma symptoms. Patients must rinse their mouths after
use to prevent the development of oral candidiasis, also known as thrush. It is important to
note that this medication does not provide immediate relief during an acute respiratory
exacerbation.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient taking montelukast. What is the most appropriate timing for
administration of this drug for asthma maintenance?
A. Once daily in the evening
B. 30 minutes before exercise only
C. Every 4 hours as needed for coughing
D. Once daily in the morning
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for chronic
asthma and allergic rhinitis management. It is typically administered once daily in the
evening to achieve peak efficacy during nighttime and early morning hours when asthma
symptoms are often most severe. It should not be used as a rescue medication for an acute
attack.
, 4. What is the primary educational point for a patient prescribed guaifenesin for a productive
cough?
A. Avoid driving while taking this medication
B. Increase fluid intake to help thin secretions
C. This drug will suppress the cough reflex completely
D. Take it on an empty stomach for better absorption
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Guaifenesin is an expectorant that works by increasing the volume
and reducing the viscosity of secretions in the respiratory tract. Increased fluid intake is
essential to assist the medication in thinning mucus so it can be coughed up more easily.
This medication is designed to make a cough more productive rather than suppressing it.
5. A patient is taking diphenhydramine for allergic rhinitis. Which side effect is most common
and expected for this medication?
A. Drowsiness and sedation
B. Severe hypertension
C. Profuse watery diarrhea
D. Increased heart rate
Correct Answer: A
of Pharmacology Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A patient with asthma is prescribed albuterol via a metered-dose inhaler. What is the
primary mechanism of action for this medication?
A. Inhibits leukotriene receptors
B. Reduces systemic inflammation
C. Blocks cholinergic receptors
D. Stimulates beta-2 receptors in the lungs
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that works by
stimulating beta-2 receptors in the lungs to cause rapid bronchodilation. It is primarily
used for quick relief of acute asthma symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath.
Nurses should monitor for side effects like tachycardia, tremors, and anxiety during
administration.
2. Which instruction should the nurse include when teaching a patient about using a
corticosteroid inhaler like beclomethasone?
A. Check your pulse before taking the medication
B. Use it only for acute asthma attacks
,C. Take it with food to avoid GI upset
D. Rinse your mouth with water after each use
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Beclomethasone is an inhaled corticosteroid used for the long-term
management and prevention of asthma symptoms. Patients must rinse their mouths after
use to prevent the development of oral candidiasis, also known as thrush. It is important to
note that this medication does not provide immediate relief during an acute respiratory
exacerbation.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient taking montelukast. What is the most appropriate timing for
administration of this drug for asthma maintenance?
A. Once daily in the evening
B. 30 minutes before exercise only
C. Every 4 hours as needed for coughing
D. Once daily in the morning
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for chronic
asthma and allergic rhinitis management. It is typically administered once daily in the
evening to achieve peak efficacy during nighttime and early morning hours when asthma
symptoms are often most severe. It should not be used as a rescue medication for an acute
attack.
, 4. What is the primary educational point for a patient prescribed guaifenesin for a productive
cough?
A. Avoid driving while taking this medication
B. Increase fluid intake to help thin secretions
C. This drug will suppress the cough reflex completely
D. Take it on an empty stomach for better absorption
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Guaifenesin is an expectorant that works by increasing the volume
and reducing the viscosity of secretions in the respiratory tract. Increased fluid intake is
essential to assist the medication in thinning mucus so it can be coughed up more easily.
This medication is designed to make a cough more productive rather than suppressing it.
5. A patient is taking diphenhydramine for allergic rhinitis. Which side effect is most common
and expected for this medication?
A. Drowsiness and sedation
B. Severe hypertension
C. Profuse watery diarrhea
D. Increased heart rate
Correct Answer: A
