Component 4: Basic Pharmacology

Question 1

Define:

Pharmacology

Answer 1

Pharmacology is defined as the science and study of all medications/drugs.

Question 2

Define:

Pharmacodynamics

Answer 2

Pharmacodynamics is how medications affect and interact with the body (the pathophysiology of the medication).

Question 3

What are the two names for medication(s)?

Answer 3

Medications will have a generic and a trade name.

Question 4

What does the abbreviation OTC mean?

Answer 4

OTC refers to over-the-counter medications.

Question 5

List

Routes of medication administration

Answer 5

Routes of medication administration:

• Oral (PO)
• Transdermal
• Intramuscular injection (IM)
• Intranasal (IN)
• Sublingual (SL)
• Inhalation
• Intravenous (IV)

Question 6

True or False

Intravenous (IV) drug administration has the slowest absorption rate.

Answer 6

False

Oral (PO) and transdermal have the slowest absorption rates.

Question 7

What are the “Six Rights” of medication administration?

Answer 7

“Six Rights”

1. Right patient
2. Right medication
3. Right dose
4. Right route
5. Right time
6. Right documentation

Question 8

Fill in the blank

Gels, compressed tablets, and suspensions are an example of __________ _______.

Answer 8

Medication forms

Question 9

What is/are the contraindication(s) for administrating activated charcoal (Actidose with Sorbitol)?

Answer 9

Activated charcoal may not be administered if the patient is unable to follow directions because of a decrease in their mentation or ingested petroleum substances, caustics, or corrosives.

Question 10

What are two concerns of why activated charcoal should not be administered to a lethargic patient, or a patient with decreased mentation?

Answer 10

1. Patient is unable to protect their own airway
2. Improper charcoal administration may cause the patient to aspirate

Question 11

What is the indication and dose for the administration of aspirin (ASA or Bayer)?

Answer 11

160 to 325 mg chewable aspirin may be given to a patient complaining of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and/or chest pain that is believed to be of cardiac origin.

Question 12

What is the pharmacodynamics of metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) like Proventil?

Answer 12

Proventil stimulates the nervous system to cause bronchodilation.

Question 13

What is the indication, dose, and route for the administration of Epinephrine (EpiPen)?

Answer 13

An EpiPen is administered when a patient is suffering from anaphylaxis and is dosed for an adult as 0.3 mg and 0.15 mg for children. Route is intramuscular injection IM).

Question 14

Fill in the blank(s)

When giving naloxone (Narcan), the provider should administer the medication in increments and at an appropriate rate otherwise, the patient can become _________.

Answer 14

Combative

Question 15

Translate the following medication order:

Administer 0.4 mg Nitromist SL Q 3 - 5 minutes, max at 3 doses. Administer until relief, drop in BP, or arrival.

Answer 15

Administer 0.4 milligrams (mg) of Nitro spray (Nitromist) under the patient’s tongue (SL) every (Q) 3 to 5 minutes. Maximum (Max) administrations of medication are limited to 3 doses. Administer as above until relief of the patient’s chest pain, a significant drop in their blood pressure, or arrival at the hospital or ALS arrival on the scene.

Question 16

True or False

The dose of oral glucose is 1/2 to 1 tube of gel.

Answer 16

False

The grams of glucose in a “tube” may change depending on different manufactures. The dose of glucose is 15 to 25 grams administered buccally (between the cheek and gum).

Question 17

What is the indication for the administration of oxygen (O₂)?

Answer 17

O₂ should be administered if you suspect the patient is hypoxic or is demonstrating signs/symptoms of hypoxia.

Question 18

List

Most commonly used over-the-counter (OTC) medications

Answer 18

The most common OTC medications are:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin).

Question 19

True or False

It is unnecessary to “reassess” the patient if they feel better after receiving a medication intervention.

Answer 19

False

After every medication intervention, the patient must be reassessed, and the assessment documented.

Question 20

What percentage of oxygen saturation should be maintained for a patient presenting with the signs/symptoms of a stroke?

Answer 20

The pulse oximetry reading should be maintained to 94% to 96% O₂ saturation.

Question 21

Of the basic EMT pharmacology formulary, which of the medications is weight-based dosing?

Answer 21

Activated Charcoal

Question 22

How are pounds (lb) converted to kilograms (kg)?

Answer 22

Divide the number of pounds by 2.2.

lb
2.2

170 lb
2.2

= 77 kg

Question 23

The reversal of respiratory depression for a suspected opioid overdose is the action of what medication?

Answer 23

Naloxone (Narcan)

Question 24

Internal bleeding, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions are all possible side effects of what medication?

Answer 24

Aspirin (ASA, Bayer)

Question 25

What route is accessed when administering epinephrine?

Answer 25

Intramuscular (IM)

Question 26

True or False

Nitroglycerin is provided in three forms.

Answer 26

True

Compressed tablet, atomized, and paste.

Question 27

You notice your partner has just administered three nitro tablets sub-lingually and simultaneously. In the worst-case scenario, how do think the patient will respond?

Answer 27

The patient will become hypotensive, and if untreated can result in cardiac arrest and even death.

Question 28

Define:

Polypharmacy

Answer 28

Polypharmacy is defined as multiple or many medications.

Question 29

Either/or

Is activated charcoal considered a solution or suspension?

Answer 29

Suspension

Question 30

True or False

When calling in for a medication order from a physician, it is necessary to repeat the order back and attain the name of the physician providing the order.

Answer 30

True

It is also required to document the dose, time, response, and name of the doctor giving the order.