RRT RRT Pharmacology 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which bronchodilator class acts by blocking muscarinic receptors to relax airway smooth muscle?
- Short-acting beta-2 agonists
- Anticholinergics (Correct answer)
- Methylxanthines
- Leukotriene modifiers
Correct answer: Anticholinergics
Anticholinergics such as ipratropium block muscarinic receptors, preventing bronchoconstriction mediated by the parasympathetic nervous system.
Question 2: What is the primary mechanism of action of albuterol?
- Beta-1 adrenergic agonism
- Beta-2 adrenergic agonism (Correct answer)
- Alpha-1 adrenergic agonism
- Muscarinic antagonism
Correct answer: Beta-2 adrenergic agonism
Albuterol selectively stimulates beta-2 adrenergic receptors on bronchial smooth muscle, causing bronchodilation.
Question 3: Which inhaled corticosteroid is commonly used for long-term control of asthma in the US?
- Prednisone
- Fluticasone (Correct answer)
- Dexamethasone
- Hydrocortisone
Correct answer: Fluticasone
Fluticasone is a commonly prescribed inhaled corticosteroid that reduces airway inflammation for long-term asthma control.
Question 4: What drug class does theophylline belong to?
- Beta-2 agonist
- Anticholinergic
- Methylxanthine (Correct answer)
- Leukotriene inhibitor
Correct answer: Methylxanthine
Theophylline is a methylxanthine bronchodilator that inhibits phosphodiesterase, raising cAMP levels and causing bronchodilation.
Question 5: Which medication is used as a mucolytic to thin secretions in patients with COPD or cystic fibrosis?
- Racemic epinephrine
- N-acetylcysteine (Correct answer)
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Magnesium sulfate
Correct answer: N-acetylcysteine
N-acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) breaks disulfide bonds in mucus glycoproteins, reducing viscosity and aiding secretion clearance.
Question 6: What is the recommended dose of epinephrine for anaphylaxis in adults?
- 0.1 mg IM
- 0.3 mg IM (Correct answer)
- 1.0 mg IM
- 0.5 mg IV
Correct answer: 0.3 mg IM
The standard adult dose of epinephrine for anaphylaxis is 0.3 mg intramuscularly, typically administered into the anterolateral thigh.
RRT RRT Pharmacology 1
Which bronchodilator class acts by blocking muscarinic receptors to relax airway smooth muscle?