Pharmacology and the Nursing Process by Linda Lane Lilley: Practice Exam

Phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors like roflumilast primarily work by preventing cough and excess mucus. This is because they inhibit the enzyme PDE4 which is responsible for breaking down cAMP, a messenger molecule that plays a crucial role in regulating respiratory function and secretion of mucus. This leads to reduced inflammation and mucus production in the airways, making it an effective treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The other options are incorrect because although these inhibitors may have some secondary effects on bronchospasm or myocardial infarction, they are not their primary function.