Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA) Practice Exam

Alveolar deposition of particles from metered dose inhalers is most affected by what factor?

1. The color of the inhaler

2. The patient's lung capacity

3. The particle size of the drug molecules

4. The time of day the medication is administered

The correct answer is: The particle size of the drug molecules

Particle size of the drug molecules is the main factor affecting alveolar deposition in metered dose inhalers because smaller particles are better able to reach the smaller airways and alveoli where they can be absorbed into the bloodstream. The other options (color of the inhaler, patient's lung capacity, time of day the medication is administered) may have some impact on the effectiveness of the inhaler, but they do not directly affect alveolar deposition. For example, the color of the inhaler may impact the patient's recognition and correct use of the device, but it does not affect the particles themselves. Similarly, the patient's lung capacity may impact the inhaler's ability to deliver medication to the lower airways, but it does not affect the size of the particles. The time of day the medication is administered may affect the patient's adherence to their medication regimen, but it does not