Which of the following is most useful in treatment of acute attack of bronchial asthma:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Salbutamol inhalation is a fast-acting beta-2 agonist that provides quick bronchodilation, making it ideal for acute asthma attacks. Beclomethasone is a corticosteroid for long-term control, methacholine induces bronchospasm, and chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine with minimal effect on acute asthma.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of managing asthma, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms of action of various drugs to make informed treatment decisions. In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Leukotriene. Leukotriene modifiers, such as Montelukast, are indeed useful in managing asthma as they help to reduce inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus production in the airways. Option A) Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist and is commonly used in asthma treatment. It helps to prevent asthma symptoms and attacks by blocking the action of leukotrienes. Option C) Prednisolone is a corticosteroid that is often used in asthma management to reduce inflammation in the airways and prevent asthma exacerbations. Option D) Ipratropium is an anticholinergic bronchodilator that is more commonly used in conditions like COPD rather than asthma. Educationally, understanding the specific roles of different medications in asthma management is essential for healthcare providers to tailor treatment plans to individual patients. Knowing which drugs are effective in asthma and which are not helps in optimizing patient care and outcomes. This rationale provides a comprehensive explanation of why each option is either correct or incorrect in the context of managing asthma.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Blocks of an endogenous bronchoconstrictor mediator. Explanation: Ipratropium is an anticholinergic medication that works by blocking acetylcholine receptors in the airways. Acetylcholine normally causes bronchoconstriction, so by blocking its action, ipratropium helps dilate the airways, making it easier for the patient to breathe. This mechanism is especially beneficial for patients with COPD who often have narrowed airways due to inflammation and mucus production. Why others are wrong: B) Inhibiting cAMP breakdown via phosphodiesterase inhibition is the mechanism of action for medications like theophylline, not ipratropium. C) Preventing antigen-antibody reactions that lead to mast cell mediator release is the mechanism of action for mast cell stabilizers like cromolyn sodium, not ipratropium. D) Stimulating ventilatory rates (CNS effect in brain's medulla) is not the mechanism of action for ipratropium. It does not have a direct central nervous system effect to increase ventilatory rates. Educational context: Understanding the mechanism of action of drugs used to manage respiratory conditions is crucial for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about treatment options for patients. Knowing how ipratropium works helps in optimizing therapy for patients with COPD and other respiratory conditions. It also highlights the importance of personalized medicine and tailoring treatment to individual patient needs.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Diuretic effect. Salbutamol, a beta2-adrenergic agonist, is primarily used as a bronchodilator to relieve bronchospasm in conditions like asthma. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways, leading to bronchodilation and improved airflow. This action helps in relieving symptoms of asthma such as wheezing and shortness of breath. Option B) Positive inotropic effect refers to the ability to increase the strength of cardiac contractions, which is not a recognized action of salbutamol. Option C) Skeletal muscle tremor is a known side effect of salbutamol due to its stimulation of beta2-adrenergic receptors in skeletal muscle. Option D) Smooth muscle relaxation is the primary mechanism of action of salbutamol in the respiratory system. In an educational context, understanding the pharmacological actions of drugs affecting the respiratory system is crucial for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about patient care. Knowing the specific effects of medications like salbutamol helps in proper prescribing, monitoring for side effects, and ensuring optimal patient outcomes in respiratory conditions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Dextromethorphan. Dextromethorphan is a non-opioid antitussive that suppresses cough reflex centrally in the brain without causing sedation. It is the best choice in this case because it effectively targets cough without impacting other symptoms or causing sedation, which is crucial for a young boy with asthma. A) Codeine is an opioid that can cause sedation, respiratory depression, and is not recommended for children with asthma due to its potential side effects. C) Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine with sedating properties that can exacerbate asthma symptoms and is not ideal for suppressing cough in this case. D) Pholcodine is an opioid derivative with similar side effects to codeine and is not the best choice for a young boy with asthma due to the risk of sedation and respiratory depression. Educationally, understanding the mechanisms of action and side effects of different antitussive medications is crucial for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions in managing respiratory conditions like asthma. Selecting the appropriate medication based on the patient's symptoms and comorbidities is essential for providing safe and effective care.