CRE CRE Pharmacology & Medications

Question 1

Which class of medications is the first-line treatment for acute bronchospasm in asthma?

Accepted Answer

Short-acting beta-2 agonists (SABAs)

Answer

Short-acting beta-2 agonists like albuterol are the standard rescue medications for acute bronchospasm due to their rapid bronchodilation onset.

Question 2

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are primarily used in asthma and COPD to:

Accepted Answer

Reduce airway inflammation

Answer

Inhaled corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory maintenance medications, not rescue agents, and do not produce acute bronchodilation.

Question 3

A patient using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) should wait how long between puffs to ensure proper drug delivery?

Accepted Answer

30 seconds to 1 minute

Answer

Waiting 30–60 seconds between MDI puffs allows adequate time for the aerosol to settle and the propellant to disperse before the next dose.

Question 4

Which bronchodilator class reduces bronchoconstriction by blocking muscarinic receptors in the airways?

Accepted Answer

Anticholinergics

Answer

Anticholinergic agents like ipratropium block muscarinic receptors, inhibiting the parasympathetic bronchoconstriction pathway.

Question 5

Theophylline belongs to which pharmacological class of bronchodilators?

Accepted Answer

Methylxanthines

Answer

Theophylline is a methylxanthine that inhibits phosphodiesterase, raising intracellular cAMP levels to cause bronchodilation.

(CRE) Certified Respiratory Educator Practice Test