A 16-year-old girl treated for asthma develops skeletal muscle tremors that are drug-induced. Which of the following was the most likely cause?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Salbutamol. Salbutamol is a beta-2 adrenergic agonist commonly used in the treatment of asthma. One of the known side effects of Salbutamol is skeletal muscle tremors due to its stimulatory effect on beta-2 receptors in muscles. This can lead to muscle tremors or shakiness in some individuals. Beclomethasone (B), Cromolyn (C), and Ipratropium (D) are not likely causes of skeletal muscle tremors in this case. Beclomethasone is an inhaled corticosteroid commonly used for asthma maintenance therapy, which does not typically cause muscle tremors. Cromolyn is a mast cell stabilizer that helps prevent asthma attacks by reducing inflammation, and it is not associated with muscle tremors. Ipratropium is an anticholinergic medication used to treat COPD and asthma, but it is not known to cause skeletal muscle tremors. Educationally, understanding the side effects of common medications used in the treatment of asthma is crucial for healthcare providers to provide safe and effective care to patients. Recognizing drug-induced adverse effects like skeletal muscle tremors allows for prompt identification, management, and possibly the adjustment of treatment regimens to ensure patient safety and well-being.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer to the question is A) Aminophylline. Aminophylline is a bronchodilator and aminophylline overdose can lead to various side effects including insomnia and arrhythmias due to its stimulant effects on the central nervous system and the heart. Cromolyn (B) is a mast cell stabilizer commonly used for managing asthma, but it does not have the stimulant effects that would cause insomnia and arrhythmias. Epinephrine (C) is a bronchodilator and can cause side effects like increased heart rate and tremors, but it is not typically associated with insomnia and arrhythmias as seen with aminophylline overdose. Ipratropium (D) is an anticholinergic bronchodilator that is not known to cause insomnia and arrhythmias in overdose situations. In an educational context, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to understand the side effects and potential complications associated with different medications used to treat respiratory conditions like asthma. Understanding these nuances can help in making informed decisions while prescribing medications and managing adverse effects in patients. Nurses and other healthcare providers need to be aware of the specific characteristics of each drug to ensure safe and effective patient care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Increased release of mediators from mast cells. In allergen-mediated asthma, exposure to an allergen triggers an immune response leading to the activation of mast cells. Mast cells release various mediators such as histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins. These mediators cause airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, mucus production, and edema, resulting in the symptoms of asthma like coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Option B) Increased adrenergic responsiveness of the airways is incorrect because while adrenergic drugs can be used to dilate the airways in asthma treatment, it is not the primary mechanism behind allergen-mediated asthma symptoms. Option C) Increased vascular permeability of bronchial tissue is incorrect as increased vascular permeability can lead to edema but is not the primary cause of asthma symptoms in allergen-mediated asthma. Option D) Decreased calcium influx into the mast cells is incorrect because calcium influx is actually necessary for mast cell degranulation and mediator release in response to allergen exposure. Understanding the mechanisms behind allergen-mediated asthma is crucial for healthcare professionals to effectively manage and treat asthma patients. By knowing how allergens trigger mast cell activation and the subsequent release of inflammatory mediators, healthcare providers can choose appropriate treatment options like anti-inflammatory drugs and bronchodilators to control asthma symptoms and improve patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this quiz question, the correct answer is B) Cromolyn. Cromolyn is a prophylactic agent that works by stabilizing mast cells, preventing the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators that contribute to allergic reactions. By stabilizing mast cells, Cromolyn helps to reduce the symptoms of allergies and respiratory problems. A) Aminophylline is a bronchodilator that works by relaxing the muscles in the airways, making it easier to breathe. It is not a mast cell stabilizer like Cromolyn. C) Epinephrine is a medication used for acute allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) as it works rapidly to reverse severe allergic symptoms, but it does not stabilize mast cells like Cromolyn. D) Ipratropium is an anticholinergic medication that helps to dilate the airways by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter. It does not have the same mechanism of action as Cromolyn in stabilizing mast cells. Educationally, understanding the mechanisms of action of different medications for allergy and respiratory problems is crucial for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions in patient care. Knowing the specific roles of medications like Cromolyn in stabilizing mast cells can help in selecting the most appropriate treatment for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Have efficacy in the prevention of motion sickness. Fexofenadine and diphenhydramine are both antihistamines used to treat allergy symptoms, but they differ in their side effects and additional uses. Diphenhydramine, unlike fexofenadine, has anticholinergic properties that make it effective in preventing motion sickness. Option A is incorrect because diphenhydramine is not typically used for the treatment of asthma; bronchodilators and corticosteroids are more commonly prescribed. Option B is also incorrect as diphenhydramine is not indicated for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease; proton pump inhibitors are typically used for this condition. Option C is incorrect as well because while diphenhydramine can cause cardiac arrhythmias in overdose, it is not a characteristic feature that distinguishes it from fexofenadine. Educationally, understanding the differences between antihistamines like fexofenadine and diphenhydramine is crucial for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions when treating patients with allergy and respiratory problems. Recognizing the unique properties of each medication allows for tailored treatment plans that maximize efficacy and minimize potential side effects.