South Dakota Medication Aide Practice Test

The primary purpose of bronchodilators in respiratory therapy is to open up airways. These medications work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, leading to dilation or widening of the bronchial passages. This helps ease breathing for individuals suffering from respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other conditions where airway constriction occurs. By improving airflow, bronchodilators allow for better oxygen exchange in the lungs and can significantly enhance the overall respiratory function of patients.

Other options, while relevant to respiratory health, do not directly capture the main action of bronchodilators. For instance, reducing mucus production often involves different classes of medications, suppressing cough pertains to cough medications, and clearing bacterial infections typically requires antibiotics rather than bronchodilators. Thus, the action of bronchodilators specifically focuses on airway relaxation and expansion, making opening up airways their primary purpose.