Which medication is used as a rescue inhaler for COPD symptoms in the described patient?

Study for the Foundation Year Pharmacy – Clinical Practice Test. Prepare with detailed questions, step-by-step explanations, and test format insights. Enhance your readiness and confidence!

Multiple Choice

Which medication is used as a rescue inhaler for COPD symptoms in the described patient?

Explanation:
The essential idea is rapid relief of acute COPD symptoms with a rescue inhaler. Salbutamol is a fast-acting bronchodilator (short-acting beta-2 agonist) that quickly relaxes airway smooth muscle within minutes, giving quick relief during a flare or sudden breathlessness. The other options serve maintenance roles rather than immediate relief: indacaterol is a long-acting beta-2 agonist used daily to keep airways open, not for rapid rescue; glycopyrronium is a long-acting antimuscarinic used to prevent symptoms and exacerbations; budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid that reduces inflammation over time and isn’t used for immediate relief.

The essential idea is rapid relief of acute COPD symptoms with a rescue inhaler. Salbutamol is a fast-acting bronchodilator (short-acting beta-2 agonist) that quickly relaxes airway smooth muscle within minutes, giving quick relief during a flare or sudden breathlessness. The other options serve maintenance roles rather than immediate relief: indacaterol is a long-acting beta-2 agonist used daily to keep airways open, not for rapid rescue; glycopyrronium is a long-acting antimuscarinic used to prevent symptoms and exacerbations; budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid that reduces inflammation over time and isn’t used for immediate relief.

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