A 25-year-old patient with a history of COPD is prescribed a short acting beta-adrenergic agonist. Which of the following is a function for their medication in the management of symptoms?

• A. Stimulation of tissues in the lungs that lead to bronchodilation via relaxation of skeletal muscle. 
• B. Activation of cardiac muscles to increase contractibility for greater oxygen saturation.  
• C. Stimulation of tissues in the lungs that lead to bronchodilation via relaxation of smooth muscle. 
• D. Inhibition of mucus build-up to improve blood flow from the lungs.  

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the role of beta-adrenergic agonists in respiratory conditions like COPD. These medications target beta receptors in the lungs to help relieve symptoms.
2. Step 2: Identify the type of muscle involved in the airways. The bronchi and bronchioles are surrounded by smooth muscle, not skeletal muscle, which controls airway diameter.
3. Step 3: Recognize that stimulation of beta-2 adrenergic receptors on smooth muscle in the lungs causes relaxation of this muscle, leading to bronchodilation (widening of the airways).
4. Step 4: Differentiate between effects on cardiac muscle and lung tissue. While beta-1 receptors affect the heart, beta-2 receptors primarily affect the lungs, so the medication's main function here is bronchodilation, not increasing heart contractility.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct function of the short-acting beta-adrenergic agonist in COPD management is to stimulate lung tissues to relax smooth muscle, resulting in bronchodilation and improved airflow.