For a patient with asthma, what is the primary purpose of prescribing salmeterol?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary purpose of prescribing salmeterol is to prevent asthma attacks. Salmeterol is a long-acting beta agonist that helps to relax the muscles of the airways over an extended period, reducing the likelihood of bronchospasms and asthma exacerbations. It is not used for relieving acute bronchospasm (choice A), suppressing cough (choice C), or thinning respiratory secretions (choice D) as these are not the main therapeutic effects of salmeterol in asthma management.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Relieve bronchospasm. Ipratropium is an anticholinergic bronchodilator that works by relaxing the muscles in the airways, leading to bronchodilation and improved airflow. This helps to relieve bronchospasm, a common symptom in COPD. Choice A is incorrect because ipratropium does not have significant anti-inflammatory effects. Choice C is incorrect as ipratropium does not directly suppress cough. Choice D is incorrect as ipratropium does not specifically target respiratory secretions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Desmopressin is a synthetic form of vasopressin used to replace the hormone in diabetes insipidus. The primary purpose is to decrease urine output by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys, thereby reducing excessive urination and preventing dehydration. Choice A is incorrect as desmopressin actually decreases urine output. Choice B is incorrect as desmopressin does not directly affect blood sugar levels. Choice D is incorrect as desmopressin does not primarily lower blood pressure.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary action of amlodipine is to reduce blood pressure by relaxing and dilating blood vessels, leading to improved blood flow and lower blood pressure. This is achieved by blocking calcium channels in the blood vessels. Increasing heart rate (A), lowering cholesterol levels (C), and decreasing blood sugar levels (D) are not the primary actions of amlodipine and are not directly related to its mechanism of action in treating hypertension.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Respiratory depression. Morphine sulfate is an opioid analgesic that can suppress the respiratory drive, leading to respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening. Monitoring respiratory status is crucial to prevent complications. Incorrect choices: A: Diarrhea - While constipation is a common side effect of opioid use, diarrhea is not a significant concern compared to respiratory depression. B: Hypertension - Morphine can cause hypotension rather than hypertension, so monitoring blood pressure for hypertension is not the priority. D: Increased urine output - Morphine can actually cause urinary retention, so increased urine output is not a key side effect to monitor.