Chapter 37: Respiratory Drugs

Chapter 37: Respiratory Drugs

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. A patient is taking intravenous aminophylline for a severe exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The nurse will assess for which therapeutic response?

a.	Increased sputum production
b.	Increased heart rate
c.	Increased respiratory rate
d.	Increased ease of breathing

 

 

ANS:  D

The therapeutic effects of bronchodilating drugs such as xanthine derivatives include increased ease of breathing. The other responses are incorrect.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)                  REF:   p. 593

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Evaluation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

2. A patient is taking a xanthine derivative as part of treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The nurse will monitor for which adverse effects associated with the use of xanthine derivatives?

a.	Diarrhea
b.	Palpitations
c.	Bradycardia
d.	Drowsiness

 

 

ANS:  B

The common adverse effects of the xanthine derivatives include nausea, vomiting, and anorexia. In addition, gastroesophageal reflux has been observed to occur during sleep in patients taking these drugs. Cardiac adverse effects include sinus tachycardia, extrasystole, palpitations, and ventricular dysrhythmias. Transient increased urination and hyperglycemia are other possible adverse effects.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Remembering (Knowledge)           REF:   p. 585

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Evaluation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

3. A patient is in an urgent care center with an acute asthma attack. The nurse expects that which medication will be used for initial treatment?

a.	An anticholinergic such as ipratropium (Atrovent)
b.	A short-acting beta2 agonist such as albuterol (Proventil)
c.	A long-acting beta2 agonist such as salmeterol (Serevent)
d.	A corticosteroid such as fluticasone (Flovent)

 

 

ANS:  B

The short-acting beta₂ agonists are commonly used during the acute phase of an asthmatic attack to reduce airway constriction quickly and to restore airflow to normal levels. The other drugs listed are not appropriate for acute asthma attacks. Anticholinergic drugs and long-acting beta₂ agonists are used to prevent attacks; corticosteroids are used to reduce airway inflammation.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)                  REF:   p. 582

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Planning

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

4. The prescriber has changed the patient’s medication regimen to include the leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) montelukast (Singulair) to treat asthma. The nurse will emphasize which point about this medication?

a.	The proper technique for inhalation must be followed.
b.	The patient needs to keep it close by at all times to treat acute asthma attacks.
c.	It needs to be taken every day on a continuous schedule, even if symptoms improve.
d.	When the asthma symptoms improve, the dosage schedule can be tapered and eventually discontinued.

 

 

ANS:  C

These drugs are indicated for chronic, not acute, asthma and are to be taken every day on a continuous schedule, even if symptoms improve. These drugs are taken orally.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)                  REF:   p. 592

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care