1. There are several different inhaled beta 2 agonists available. Select what you think are the two most commonly used, state their uses, dosages, contraindications for use, side effects, adverse effects and patient instructions.
2. Your patient has mild intermittent asthma in which symptoms occur less than three times per week. State which you would prescribe: albuterol or levalbuterol (short acting beta2 agonist) and support your decision.
3. Define the step approach for managing asthma in adults.
4. Patients with moderate persistent asthma require long-term preventive medication. Discuss the medication regimen: state the medications, dosages and frequency, side effects and monitoring requirements.
5. Describe the patient whom you believe now needs to be started on an inhaled steroid.
6. What role to the leukotriene modifiers play in the treatment of asthma. Explain.
7. The goals of treatment for patients with COPD are to slow the disease process and maintain quality of life. The use of antibiotics is easily explained, however, what role do corticosteroids and bronchodilators play in treatment. It is unlikely that I would order alpha-trypsin augmentation therapy unless I were working directly with a pulmonologist.
8. Current treatment guidelines for acute bronchitis do not list antibiotic therapy unless indicated. It is rather suggested to prescribe a bronchodilator. Which bronchodilator would you prescribe, at what dosage, and what follow up would be necessary?
9. State your position on the use of traditional antihistamines vs non-sedating antihistamine use in patients with seasonal allergies. Include rationales.
10. One of the most valuable OTCs that affects the respiratory system is guaifenesin. Discuss three clinical uses, mechanism of action, side effects, adverse effects and interactions.
11. What is the antibiotic of choice for treating pneumonia when the organism is s. pneumonia. Can you use the same antibiotic for mycoplasma pneumonia? Discuss side effects of the drug or drugs, adverse reactions, contraindications, interactions , and monitoring for each of the types of pneumonia.
12. Your patient has severe sinusitis and by history is allergic to penicillin. What is your drug of choice in this case, dosage, duration of treatment and patient education?
13. There are many OTCs and Rx medications used for allergy symptoms. List the most common non-sedating and traditional antihistamines, discuss mechanism of actions and adverse effects. State when steroid medications might be indicated.
14. List the significant difference among loop diuretics, potassium sparing diuretics and thiazide diuretics and why you would use one or the other in clinical practice. State the beginning dosages.
15. Tamsulosin/Flomax is the first line medication used for BPH. State two uses for this medication, the mechanism of action, adverse effects.
16. Oxybutynin chloride Oxytrol is now available over the counter for use in urinary incontinence. Discuss the types of incontinence it is most effective with, the mechanism of action, usual dosages and adverse effects.