Question

which drug should be avoided in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (copd)?
codeine
prednisone
salmeterol
dextromethorphan

Explanation:

Codeine can suppress the cough - reflex and may also cause respiratory depression, which can be dangerous for patients with COPD as they already have impaired lung function. Prednisone is a corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation in COPD. Salmeterol is a long - acting beta - agonist used to dilate the airways. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant but is generally less likely to cause significant respiratory depression compared to codeine in the context of COPD.

Answer:

Codeine