NBRC Pharmacology and Therapeutics 3

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Succinylcholine

Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia prophylaxis in HIV

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Intravenous infusion

Answer

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.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Leukotriene receptor antagonist

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Selective pulmonary vasodilation

Answer

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

NBRC - National Board for Respiratory Care Practice Test

NBRC - National Board for Respiratory Care Practice Test

NBRC Pharmacology and Therapeutics 3