Anti-Asthmatic Drugs: Pharmacology for Nurses

Question 1

Which of the following is a long-acting beta-agonist and which is a short-acting beta-agonist?
Salmeterol
Albuterol

Accepted Answer

Salmeterol: long-acting, Albuterol: short-acting

Answer

Salmeterol: short-acting, Albuterol: long-acting

Answer

Both Salmeterol and Albuterol are long-acting beta-agonists

Answer

Both Salmeterol and Albuterol are short-acting beta-agonists

Question 2

The primary mechanism by which beta2-agonists alleviate asthma symptoms is:

Accepted Answer

Stimulating beta2-adrenergic receptors in bronchial smooth muscles, causing bronchodilation

Answer

Blocking the release of histamine from mast cells

Answer

Reducing airway inflammation

Answer

Enhancing mucus clearance

Question 3

Montelukast belongs to which pharmacological class of anti-asthmatic medications?

Accepted Answer

Leukotriene modifiers

Answer

Beta2-agonists

Answer

Inhaled corticosteroids

Answer

Anticholinergics

Question 4

What is the primary mechanism of action of inhaled corticosteroids in the treatment of asthma?

Accepted Answer

Binding to glucocorticoid receptors to inhibit inflammation

Answer

Activating beta2-adrenergic receptors to induce bronchodilation

Answer

Reducing airway hyperresponsiveness

Answer

Preventing mast cell degranulation

Question 5

Theophylline is primarily used in asthma treatment for:

Accepted Answer

Long-term management of mild-to-moderate symptoms

Answer

Emergency relief of acute asthma attacks

Answer

Prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm

Answer

Combination therapy with inhaled corticosteroids

Question 6

The key difference between long-acting and short-acting anticholinergics for asthma management is:

Accepted Answer

Duration of action

Answer

Frequency of administration

Answer

Mechanism of action

Answer

Route of administration

Question 7

How do the mechanisms of action differ between inhaled corticosteroids and oral beta-agonists used for asthma treatment?

Accepted Answer

Inhaled corticosteroids reduce airway inflammation, while oral beta-agonists relax bronchial muscles.

Answer

Both inhaled corticosteroids and oral beta-agonists reduce airway inflammation.

Answer

Both inhaled corticosteroids and oral beta-agonists relax bronchial muscles.

Question 8

Which of the following is the primary mechanism of action of beta-receptor agonists in asthma management?

Accepted Answer

Relaxing bronchial smooth muscles

Answer

Inhibiting histamine release

Answer

Blocking leukotriene receptors

Answer

Increasing mucus production

Question 9

Which medication is most commonly used for the immediate relief of acute asthma exacerbations?

Accepted Answer

Albuterol

Answer

Cromolyn sodium

Answer

Salmeterol

Answer

Montelukast

Question 10

When teaching a patient who uses an inhaled corticosteroid, which instruction is most important to provide?

Accepted Answer

Rinse your mouth after use

Answer

Always use the inhaler after meals

Answer

Shake the inhaler vigorously before each use

Answer

Hold your breath for 10 seconds after inhalation

Question 11

Which of the following side effects is most commonly associated with the use of long-acting beta-receptor agonists in asthma treatment?

Accepted Answer

Tremor

Answer

Bronchospasm

Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Hypoglycemia

Question 12

What is the primary benefit of using a spacer device with an inhaler for asthma medication delivery?

Accepted Answer

Improved drug delivery to the lower airways

Answer

Reduced risk of systemic absorption

Answer

Increased amount of drug inhaled

Answer

Prevention of coughing and throat irritation

Question 13

Which of the following assessments is most critical for monitoring the effectiveness of anti-asthmatic therapy in patients with asthma?

Accepted Answer

Symptom assessment

Answer

Vital signs

Answer

Pulmonary function tests

Answer

Blood glucose levels

Question 14

Which anti-asthmatic drug is available in both oral and inhaled formulations, allowing for flexibility in administration?

Accepted Answer

Montelukast

Answer

Cromolyn sodium

Answer

Salmeterol

Answer

Fluticasone

Question 15

When administering systemic corticosteroids for asthma, which nursing implications are crucial to consider?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring for Cushing's syndrome and hyperglycemia

Accepted Answer

Tapering the dose gradually to prevent withdrawal symptoms

Answer

Restricting fluid intake to prevent edema

Question 16

How do inhaled corticosteroids reduce inflammation in asthma?

Accepted Answer

Inhibiting inflammatory mediator release from mast cells

Answer

Increasing beta-agonist production

Answer

Reducing airway smooth muscle sensitivity to bronchoconstrictors

Answer

Stimulating mucus production in airways

Question 17

The primary mechanism of action of beta-2 agonists is to:

Accepted Answer

Relax airway smooth muscles by stimulating beta-2 adrenoreceptors, leading to bronchodilation.

Answer

Inhibit histamine release from mast cells, reducing airway inflammation.

Answer

Block acetylcholine receptors, preventing airway constriction.

Answer

Stimulate the release of epinephrine from the adrenal glands, increasing heart rate and blood pressure.

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT an indication for the use of inhaled corticosteroids?

Accepted Answer

Acute asthma exacerbations (requires rapid-acting bronchodilators like albuterol)

Answer

Treatment of allergic rhinitis (non-asthmatic nasal inflammation)

Answer

Prevention of exercise-induced asthma

Answer

Maintenance therapy for chronic asthma

Question 19

The most common side effect associated with long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids is:

Accepted Answer

Oropharyngeal candidiasis (thrush) due to the suppression of the immune system in the mouth

Answer

Seizures (not a common side effect of inhaled corticosteroids)

Answer

Hypertension (rare side effect of inhaled corticosteroids)

Answer

Tachycardia (more common with systemic corticosteroids, not inhaled)

Question 20

The primary action of leukotriene modifiers is to:

Accepted Answer

Block the synthesis of leukotrienes, which are inflammatory mediators that contribute to asthma symptoms.

Answer

Inhibit the release of histamine from mast cells, reducing airway constriction.

Answer

Reduce airway inflammation by inhibiting the release of inflammatory cytokines.

Answer

Stimulate beta-2 receptors, causing bronchodilation.

Question 21

Which of the following medications is NOT used for the treatment of severe asthma exacerbations?

Accepted Answer

Salmeterol (long-acting beta-2 agonist, not indicated for acute exacerbations)

Answer

Albuterol (short-acting beta-2 agonist for rapid bronchodilation)

Answer

Prednisone (oral corticosteroid for reducing inflammation)

Answer

Magnesium sulfate (bronchodilator used in severe cases)

Question 22

The most important nursing intervention when administering inhaled medications to patients with asthma is to:

Accepted Answer

Ensure proper inhalation technique to optimize drug delivery to the lungs.

Answer

Monitor for adverse reactions, which are rare with inhaled medications.

Answer

Educate patients about medication side effects, but emphasize the importance of taking medications as prescribed.

Question 23

Which of the following is a patient teaching point regarding the use of inhaled corticosteroids?

Accepted Answer

Rinse the mouth with water after use to prevent oropharyngeal candidiasis.

Answer

Increase the dose if symptoms worsen (patients should not adjust medication without consulting a healthcare provider).

Answer

Use the medication as needed (inhaled corticosteroids are typically taken regularly, not as needed).

Answer

Stop taking the medication if side effects develop (patients should report side effects to their healthcare provider).

Question 24

The main advantage of inhaled anti-asthmatic drugs over oral medications is:

Accepted Answer

Reduced systemic side effects due to localized delivery directly to the lungs.

Answer

Greater efficacy (both inhaled and oral medications can be effective in managing asthma).

Answer

Easier administration (inhaled medications can be more convenient, but oral medications may be easier for some patients).

Answer

Faster onset of action (some inhaled medications provide rapid relief, but oral medications can also have a fast onset).

Question 25

Which of the following patients is NOT a candidate for immunotherapy?

Accepted Answer

A patient with a severe anaphylactic reaction to allergens, as immunotherapy involves controlled exposure to allergens.

Answer

A patient with seasonal allergic rhinitis (immunotherapy can be beneficial for managing seasonal allergies).

Answer

A patient with occupational asthma (immunotherapy can be effective in reducing symptoms).

Question 26

Which of the following is a short-acting beta-2 agonist commonly used to relieve sudden onset of asthma symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Salbutamol

Answer

Formoterol

Answer

Montelukast

Question 27

What is the primary mechanism of action of long-acting beta-2 agonists (LABAs)?

Accepted Answer

Relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle

Answer

Enhancement of mucociliary clearance

Answer

Reduction of airway inflammation

Answer

Inhibition of mast cell degranulation

Question 28

What is a potential adverse effect associated with the use of oral beta-2 agonists?

Accepted Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Bronchospasm

Answer

Hypotension

Question 29

Which drug class acts by stabilizing mast cells and preventing the release of inflammatory mediators?

Accepted Answer

Cromolyn sodium

Answer

Salmeterol

Answer

Fluticasone

Answer

Ipratropium

Question 30

What is the primary indication for the use of anticholinergic medications in asthma management?

Accepted Answer

Prevention of bronchospasm triggered by muscarinic agonists

Answer

Reduction of airway inflammation

Answer

Enhancement of mucociliary clearance

Answer

Relief of acute asthma attacks

Question 31

What is the primary nursing intervention to monitor for potential adverse effects of ICSs?

Accepted Answer

Regular respiratory assessment

Answer

Blood glucose monitoring

Answer

Cardiac monitoring

Question 32

Which factor can significantly impact the effectiveness of inhaled medications used to treat asthma?

Accepted Answer

Proper inhalation technique

Answer

Patient's age

Answer

Dosage form

Answer

Medication cost

Question 33

What is the primary mechanism of action of salmeterol?

Accepted Answer

Long-acting beta-agonist

Answer

Short-acting beta-agonist

Answer

Anticholinergic

Answer

Inhibition of leukotriene synthesis

Question 34

Which of the following is a potential adverse effect of inhaled corticosteroids used in asthma management?

Accepted Answer

Oral candidiasis

Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Dry mouth

Answer

Nausea

Question 35

What is the primary role of a leukotriene modifier in the management of asthma?

Accepted Answer

Inhibiting the effects of leukotrienes

Answer

Relaxing bronchial smooth muscle

Answer

Reducing airway inflammation

Answer

Blocking histamine receptors

Question 36

What is the recommended inhaler technique for using a metered dose inhaler (MDI) with a spacer device?

Accepted Answer

Prime, shake, place mouthpiece in mouth, inhale slowly and deeply, hold breath

Answer

Shake, prime, inhale, hold breath

Answer

Inhale, prime, shake, hold breath

Answer

Hold breath, prime, inhale, shake

Question 37

What is the purpose of an asthma action plan?

Accepted Answer

To provide personalized guidance for managing asthma symptoms and preventing exacerbations

Answer

To provide a record of asthma medications

Answer

To educate patients about asthma triggers

Question 38

What is the primary mechanism of action of cromolyn sodium in asthma management?

Accepted Answer

Mast cell stabilizer

Answer

Leukotriene inhibitor

Answer

Anti-inflammatory

Answer

Bronchodilator

Question 39

Which of the following is the primary mechanism by which beta-2 agonists alleviate asthma symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Relaxation of bronchial smooth muscles

Answer

Blockade of histamine receptors

Answer

Prevention of leukotriene synthesis

Answer

Inhibition of mast cell degranulation

Question 40

Which of the following conditions is an absolute contraindication to using inhaled corticosteroids for asthma?

Accepted Answer

Active pulmonary tuberculosis

Answer

Pregnancy

Answer

History of glaucoma

Question 41

Theophylline, a medication used in asthma management, is associated with which potential adverse effect?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac arrhythmias

Answer

Hypoglycemia

Answer

Bronchospasm

Answer

Nephrotoxicity

Question 42

Omalizumab is primarily indicated for which type of asthma?

Accepted Answer

Severe allergic asthma unresponsive to other therapies

Answer

Mild intermittent asthma

Answer

Moderate persistent asthma

Question 43

Which of the following conditions precludes the use of inhaled anticholinergics in asthma treatment?

Accepted Answer

Narrow-angle glaucoma

Answer

Hyperthyroidism

Answer

Peptic ulcer disease

Answer

Pregnancy

Question 44

For patients receiving long-term oral corticosteroids for asthma, which parameter should be routinely monitored to assess potential adverse effects?

Accepted Answer

Bone mineral density

Answer

Blood pressure

Answer

Heart rate

Answer

Respiratory rate

Question 45

What is the primary way that β2-agonists work to treat asthma?

Accepted Answer

They relax the muscles in the airways, making breathing easier.

Answer

They increase mucus production, clearing the airways.

Answer

They constrict blood vessels, reducing inflammation.

Answer

They block the release of histamine, a chemical that triggers inflammation.

Question 46

Which of the following situations makes it unsafe to use inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) for asthma?

Accepted Answer

When a patient has a severe bacterial or viral infection.

Answer

When a patient is also taking β2-agonists.

Answer

When a patient has a history of allergies.

Answer

When a patient has mild asthma.

Question 47

How often should patients who take ICSs long-term be checked by their doctor?

Accepted Answer

Every 3 to 6 months.

Answer

Every month.

Answer

Only when they have problems.

Answer

Once a year.

Question 48

How do anticholinergics help to treat asthma?

Accepted Answer

They relax the muscles in the airways by blocking certain receptors.

Answer

They reduce the amount of mucus in the airways.

Answer

They reduce inflammation in the airways.

Answer

They make β2-agonists work better.

Question 49

What is a key difference between long-acting β2-agonists (LABAs) and other asthma medications?

Accepted Answer

They work for a longer period of time.

Answer

They improve lung function better than other medications.

Answer

They have a lower risk of causing side effects that affect the whole body.

Answer

They start working very quickly.

Question 50

What is the most important nursing action for a patient having an asthma attack?

Accepted Answer

Give them a quick-relief inhaler (like a β2-agonist) and watch their breathing closely.

Answer

Stop all medications and observe the patient.

Answer

Do chest physiotherapy to help them breathe easier.