NBRC Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2

Question 1

Which drug is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis causing severe bronchospasm?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis because it rapidly reverses bronchospasm, hypotension, and angioedema through alpha and beta adrenergic receptor stimulation.

Question 2

N-acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) works as a mucolytic by which mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Cleaving disulfide bonds in mucus glycoproteins

Answer

N-acetylcysteine reduces mucus viscosity by breaking disulfide bonds within mucus glycoproteins, making secretions easier to expectorate.

Question 3

Heliox therapy is most appropriate for which clinical situation?

Accepted Answer

Upper airway obstruction causing increased work of breathing

Answer

Heliox (helium-oxygen mixture) reduces gas density, decreasing turbulent flow and work of breathing in conditions with upper airway obstruction such as croup or post-extubation stridor.

Question 4

Which drug used in respiratory care inhibits phosphodiesterase, resulting in increased cyclic AMP and bronchodilation?

Accepted Answer

Aminophylline

Answer

Aminophylline (a prodrug of theophylline) inhibits phosphodiesterase, preventing breakdown of cyclic AMP, which leads to smooth muscle relaxation and bronchodilation.

Question 5

A respiratory therapist is preparing to administer racemic epinephrine via nebulizer. This treatment is most indicated for which condition?

Accepted Answer

Post-extubation stridor

Answer

Racemic epinephrine causes local vasoconstriction and reduces subglottic edema, making it the drug of choice for post-extubation stridor and croup.

NBRC - National Board for Respiratory Care Practice Test

NBRC - National Board for Respiratory Care Practice Test

NBRC Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2