AEMT MEDICATIONS

Question 1

Albuterol

Answer 1

Class: Sympathomimetic, bronchodilator
Action: Beta 2 Adrenergic Agonist
Onset/Duration: 5-15 minutes/3-4 hours
Indications: bronchospasm, wheezing from obstructive airway disease (asthma, COPD)
Contraindications: hypersensitivity, cardiac arrhythmias
Adverse Effects: restlessness, apprehension, dizziness, palpitations, tachycardia, increased BP, dysrhythmias
Route: nebulized/metered dose inhaler
Dose:
- Adult: 2.5 mg/3 mL over 5-15 min, repeat in 10 min if IV access obtained
- Ped: 2.5 mg/3 mL over 5-15 min, repeat in 10 min if IV access obtained

Question 2

Aspirin

Answer 2

Class: Platelet inhibitor
Action: prevents clot formation
Indications: Chest pain, suspected angina/MI
Contraindications: hypersensitivity, recent GI bleed, taking anticoagulants (Heparin or Warfarin)
Adverse Effects: Bleeding, Anaphylaxis
Route: 81 mg chewable tablets
Dose: 4 x 81 mg tablets (324 mg)

Question 3

Dextrose

Answer 3

Class: Carbohydrate
Action: Elevates blood glucose levels
Indications: Hypoglycemia (BG < 70)
Contraindications: Hyperglycemia
Adverse Effects: Local venous irritation, tissue necrosis if infiltration occurs
Route: Slow IV/IO push
Dose: 
- Adult : 25 grams D50%
- Peds > 8 yrs: D50% 1-2 ml/kg
- 1 - 8 yrs: D25% 2-4 ml/kg
- 0 - 1 yr: D10% 2-4 ml/kg
Max rate of infusion 2 ml/kg/min

Question 4

Epinephrine 1:1000

Answer 4

Class: Sympathomimetic
Action: Bronchodilation, positive chronotrope and inotrope, vasoconstrictor
Indications: allergic reactions, adult status asthmaticus
Contraindications: None. Use caution w/ PT with cardiac history, HTN, pregnancy, tachyarrythmias
Adverse Effects: Palpitations, headaches, anxiety
Route: IM
Dose:
- Adult: .01 mg/kg IM up to max single dose of .3 mg
- Pediatric: .01 mg/kg IM up to max single dose of .3 mg. 1 mg in 3 mL NS can be nebulized with 6-8 LPM O2

Question 5

Glucagon

Answer 5

Class: Hormone
Action: Triggers breakdown of glycogen into glucose to elevate blood glucose
Indications: Symptomatic hypoglycemia where IV access unobtainable after 3 attempts
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity
Adverse Effects: Nausea, vomiting, hypertension. tachycardia
Route: IM (mix 1 mg of powder with 1 mL solution of saline)
Dose:
- Adult: 1 mg IM, repeat in 20 min if no response
- Ped: .03 - .1 mg/kg IM, not to exceed 1 mg

Question 6

Narcan

Answer 6

Class: Narcotic antagonist/antidote
Action: Reverses effects of opioid overdose
Indications: Opioid overdose, coma of unknown origin
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity
Adverse Effects: Withdrawal effects
Route: IM/IV/IN
Dose:
- Adult: 0.5-4 mg IV, IN or IM
- Pediatric: 0.01 - 0.1 mg/kg of a .4 mg/mL solution

Question 7

Nitroglycerin

Answer 7

Class: Antianginal
Action: Dilates coronary and systemic arteries
Indications: Chest pain of suspected cardiac origin
Contraindications: children < 12, hypotension (SBP<100), Viagra use within 12 hrs, Levitra use within 24 hrs, Cialis use within 48 hrs
Adverse Effects: Headache, dizziness, hypotension
Route: Sublingual
Dose: .4 mg sublingual, q. 5 minutes up to max of 3 doses. May give 1 time without IV established.

Question 8

Atrovent (Ipratropium Bromide)

Answer 8

Class: Bronchodilator, anticholinergic
Action: Smooth muscle relaxant, anticholinergic
Indications: Dyspnea, wheezing, bronchospasm
Contraindications: Allergy to Atrovent
Adverse Effects: Dizziness, nausea, heartburn, dry mouth
Route: Nebulized
Dose:
-Adult: .5 mg/2.5 mL
-Pediatric: .5 mg/2.5 mL

Question 9

Normal Saline

Answer 9

Class: Isotonic Crystalloid Solution
Action: Replaces extracellular fluid by remaining in the vascular space
Indications: Hypovolemia/fluid resuscitation, traumatic injuries with suspected TBI/increased ICP
Contraindications: Severe renal impairment, Hypervolemia/Severe Hypertension, Acute presentation of CHF
Adverse Effects: Fluid overload, dilutional coagulopathy
Route: IV/IO
Dose:
- Adult:
o 500 mL IV / IO bolus, repeated as needed until target blood pressure is achieved
o Sepsis: 30 mL / kg IV / IO bolus
- Pediatric:
o 20 mL / kg IV / IO bolus, may repeat as needed until target blood pressure is achieved (Minimum systolic blood pressure = ≥70 + 2 x age in years.)

Question 10

Lactated Ringers

Answer 10

Class: Isotonic Crystalloid Solution
Action: Replaces extracellular fluid by remaining in the vascular space
Indications: Fluid replacement in trauma patients, hypovolemia, shock, sepsis, burn patients
Contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity to sodium lactate
- Known alkalosis or risk for development of alkalosis
- severe renal impairment
- hypervolemia/hypertension
- concurrent administration of blood products
- fluid replacement for patients with TBI or increased ICP (use Normal Saline instead)
Adverse Effects: Fluid overload
Route: IV/IO
Dose:
- Adult: 500 mL IV/IO bolus, repeat as needed to maintain target BP. For sepsis give 30 mL/kg bolus
- Pediatric: 20 mL / kg IV / IO bolus, may repeat as needed until target blood pressure is achieved (Minimum systolic blood pressure = ≥70 + 2 x age in years.)

Question 11

Nitropaste

Answer 11

Class:
Action:
Indications:
Contraindications:
Adverse Effects:
Route:
Dose: