Chapter 06: Adrenergic (Sympathomimetic) Bronchodilators

Chapter 06: Adrenergic (Sympathomimetic) Bronchodilators

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. Adrenergic bronchodilators mimic the actions of

ANS:  D

Penicillin is an antibiotic, not a bronchodilator. All adrenergic (sympathomimetic) bronchodilators are either catecholamines or derivatives of catecholamines. Catecholamines, or sympathomimetic amines, mimic the actions of epinephrine more or less precisely, causing tachycardia, elevated blood pressure, smooth muscle relaxation of bronchioles and skeletal muscle blood vessels, glycogenolysis, skeletal muscle tremor, and central nervous system stimulation.

REF:   p. 98 | p. 99

2. Relaxation of smooth airway muscle in the presence of reversible airflow obstruction is a general indication for the use of

ANS:  B

Short-acting b₂ agonists such as albuterol and levalbuterol are indicated for relief of acute reversible airflow obstruction in asthma or other obstructive airway diseases. Although mucolytics may help reduce the increased mucus production associated with complicated asthma, they do not reverse bronchoconstriction. Antiinfective agents help fight bacterial or viral infections, but they do not reverse airflow obstruction. Steroids help fight the inflammation associated with asthma; however, they are not fast-acting and cannot reverse airflow obstruction associated with bronchoconstriction.

REF:   p. 98

3. Disease states that could benefit from the use of adrenergic bronchodilators include which of the following?
4. Asthma
5. Bronchitis
6. Emphysema
7. Bronchiectasis
8. Pleural effusion

ANS:  C

Adrenergic bronchodilators would not reverse a pleural effusion. The general indication for use of an adrenergic bronchodilator is relaxation of airway smooth muscle in the presence of reversible airflow obstruction associated with acute and chronic asthma (including exercise-induced asthma), bronchitis, emphysema, bronchiectasis, and other obstructive airway diseases.

REF:   p. 98

4. Short-acting b₂ agonists are indicated for

ANS:  B

Steroids, not b agonists, are useful in reducing airway swelling. Short-acting b₂ agonists such as albuterol and levalbuterol are indicated for relief of acute reversible airflow obstruction in asthma or other obstructive airway diseases. Long-acting b agonists are used for maintenance bronchodilation. b agonists are not mucus-controlling agents.

REF:   p. 98

5. Your patient is diagnosed with persistent asthma. Which type of drug would you recommend for maintenance bronchodilation and control of bronchospasm?

ANS:  B

Short-acting adrenergics are effective rescue medications, but they do not provide the long-term relief needed with the nocturnal symptoms often associated with persistent asthma. Long-acting agents, such as salmeterol, formoterol, arformoterol, indacaterol, and olodaterol are indicated for maintenance bronchodilation and control of bronchospasm and nocturnal symptoms in asthma or other obstructive diseases. Adrenergic agents that are a-specific may not provide the b-specific bronchodilation necessary in the control of persistent asthma. Mucolytics do not produce bronchodilation; many may actually cause bronchoconstriction as a side effect. The topic of corticosteroids has not yet been discussed. The best answer from the given choices is long-acting adrenergic agents. The question is trying to ensure the understanding of the difference between “rescue” medications and “maintenance” medications.

REF:   p. 98