Pharmacology and Therapeutics Flashcards

Which neuromuscular blocking agent is most commonly used to facilitate endotracheal intubation due to its rapid onset and short duration?

Answer: Succinylcholine

Succinylcholine is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent with the fastest onset (60 seconds) and shortest duration (~10 minutes), making it ideal for rapid sequence intubation.

A patient receiving aerosolized pentamidine therapy most likely has which underlying condition?

Answer: Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia prophylaxis in HIV

Inhaled pentamidine is used for prophylaxis against Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in HIV-infected patients who cannot tolerate trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.

Which route of delivery provides the highest systemic absorption for a bronchodilator but also carries the greatest risk of systemic side effects?

Answer: Intravenous infusion

Intravenous administration delivers 100% of the drug directly into the systemic circulation, providing maximal bioavailability but also the greatest risk of cardiovascular and metabolic side effects.

Montelukast (Singulair) belongs to which drug class used in asthma management?

Answer: Leukotriene receptor antagonist

Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that blocks the action of cysteinyl leukotrienes, reducing airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus secretion in asthma.

Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) is used therapeutically to produce which primary effect?

Answer: Selective pulmonary vasodilation

Inhaled nitric oxide selectively dilates pulmonary vasculature in ventilated lung regions by activating guanylate cyclase; it is rapidly inactivated by hemoglobin, preventing systemic effects.

Which sedative agent used in mechanically ventilated patients also provides bronchodilation and is considered a good choice for patients with bronchospasm?

Answer: Ketamine

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic with sympathomimetic properties that causes bronchodilation, making it particularly useful for sedation or induction in patients with severe bronchospasm.

A respiratory therapist administers a metered-dose inhaler with a spacer device. What is the primary advantage of using a spacer?

Answer: Reduces oropharyngeal deposition and improves lung delivery

A spacer (valved holding chamber) slows aerosol velocity and allows large particles to settle out before inhalation, significantly reducing oropharyngeal deposition and improving lower airway drug delivery.