NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamPharmacologyMedium
A 72-year-old female with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is experiencing acute shortness of breath. Her prescribed medication is albuterol via a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). Which of the following best describes the primary pharmacodynamic effect of albuterol that will relieve her symptoms?
- AIt inhibits the release of histamine from mast cells.
- BIt acts as a potent anti-inflammatory agent in the lungs.
- CIt stimulates beta-2 adrenergic receptors, causing bronchodilation.
- DIt decreases mucus production in the bronchioles.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. It stimulates beta-2 adrenergic receptors, causing bronchodilation.
Albuterol is a selective beta-2 adrenergic agonist. Its primary pharmacodynamic effect is to stimulate beta-2 receptors in the smooth muscle of the bronchioles, leading to relaxation and bronchodilation, which opens the airways and relieves shortness of breath.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Mast cell stabilizers inhibit histamine release, but albuterol's mechanism is different; it directly relaxes bronchial smooth muscle.
- B. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory, but albuterol's primary role is bronchodilation, not inflammation reduction.
- D. While some medications affect mucus, decreasing mucus production is not the primary action of albuterol.
Albuterol Mechanism of Action
Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (SABA) that primarily causes bronchodilation.
- Stimulates beta-2 receptors in bronchial smooth muscle.
- Causes relaxation of airway muscles.
- Leads to bronchodilation and improved airflow.
- A rescue medication for acute bronchospasm.
Memory trick: Albuterol's a 'beta-2' friend, making tight airways expand and mend.