RRT Pharmacology Flashcards
6 cards from real RRT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 RRT Pharmacology flashcards as text
What is the first-line bronchodilator for acute COPD exacerbation?
Answer: Short-acting beta-2 agonist (e.g., albuterol)
Short-acting beta-2 agonists like albuterol provide rapid bronchodilation and are the cornerstone of acute COPD exacerbation management.
Which opioid analgesic can suppress respiratory drive and requires careful monitoring in ventilated patients?
Answer: Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a potent opioid that binds mu receptors in the brainstem, reducing respiratory rate and tidal volume, requiring careful titration.
Heliox therapy improves breathing effort primarily by doing what?
Answer: Reducing gas density to decrease airflow resistance
Helium-oxygen mixture (heliox) has lower density than air, reducing turbulent airflow resistance and work of breathing in upper airway obstruction.
What is the purpose of administering magnesium sulfate in severe asthma exacerbations?
Answer: Acts as a bronchodilator by relaxing smooth muscle
Magnesium sulfate causes bronchodilation by antagonizing calcium-mediated smooth muscle contraction when standard bronchodilators are insufficient.
Which sedative/hypnotic preserves spontaneous breathing and is used in procedural sedation for intubation?
Answer: Ketamine
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that maintains airway reflexes and respiratory drive, making it useful for emergency airway management.
Dornase alfa (Pulmozyme) is specifically indicated for improving pulmonary function in which condition?
Answer: Cystic fibrosis
Dornase alfa cleaves extracellular DNA in the thick mucus of cystic fibrosis patients, reducing sputum viscosity and improving airway clearance.