Chapter 12

Question 1

Tylenol is an example of what?

Trade name
Generic name
Chemical name
Official name

Answer 1

Trade name

Question 2

You are treating a patient who tells you he was prescribed alprazolam (Xanax) for his anxiety. What would anxiety be considered?

Indication
Contraindication
Side effect
Intended effect

Answer 2

Indication

Question 3

What information should you include on your PCR related to a patient’s medications?

Document the medication names and dosages.
Document the medication names and expiration dates.
Document the trade name and the generic name of each medication.
Do not document the medication names; these will be determined at the hospital.

Answer 3

Document the medication names and dosages.

Question 4

If your patient takes nitroglycerine for a heart condition, what route of administration does he use?

Oral
Sublingual
Injection
Inhaled

Answer 4

Sublingual

Question 5

Which of the following is an advantage of MDI drug administration over SVN drug administration?

The MDI route does not require an external oxygen source.
The patient does not need to be conscious for MDI drug administration.
MDI medications have no side effects.
MDI medications do not expire.

Answer 5

The MDI route does not require an external oxygen source.

Question 6

The process by which a medication works on the body is called what?

Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacokinetics
Therapeutic effect

Answer 6

Pharmacodynamics

Question 7

Why should you not use an oral route to deliver medication in a patient with an altered LOC?

It takes too long for medicine to be delivered using the oral route.
The medication will not work as intended in a patient with altered LOC.
The patient will likely be combative so an oral route will be difficult.
There is a potential for airway compromise.

Answer 7

There is a potential for airway compromise.

Question 8

During your treatment of a patient having a stroke whose breathing is normal and oxygen saturation is 96%, you administer oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask at 10 to 15 L/min. This is an example of what?

Knowledge-based error
Skills-based error
Rules-based error
Therapeutic effect

Answer 8

Knowledge-based error

Question 9

You are treating a 4-year-old who has been vomiting for two days. Which route should you use to deliver antinausea medication?

Intravenous
Subcutaneous
Intramuscular
Per rectum

Answer 9

Per rectum

Question 10

When administering a medication you are unfamiliar with, what is the first thing you should do?

Verify the proper medication and prescription.
Verify the form, dose, and route of the medication.
Check the expiration date and condition of the medication.
Obtain an order from medical control.

Answer 10

Obtain an order from medical control.

Question 11

The active, muscular part of breathing that draws air into the airway and lungs; a medication delivery route.

Answer 11

inhalation

Question 12

The study of the properties and effects of medications.

Answer 12

pharmacology

Question 13

Inappropriate use of a medication that could lead to patient harm.

Answer 13

medication error

Question 14

A device that is used to change a liquid medication into a spray and push it into a nostril.

Answer 14

mucosal atomizer device

Question 15

Medications that enter the body by a route other than the digestive tract, skin, or mucous membranes.

Answer 15

parenteral medications

Question 16

The amount of medication given on the basis of the patient’s size and age.

Answer 16

dose

Question 17

An abnormally low blood glucose level.

Answer 17

hypoglycemia

Question 18

The processes that the body performs on a medication, including how it is absorbed, distributed, possibly changed, and eliminated.

Answer 18

pharmacokinetics

Question 19

A medication that binds to a receptor and blocks other medications.

Answer 19

antagonist

Question 20

Injection into the fatty tissue between the skin and muscle; a medication delivery route.

Answer 20

subcutaneous injection

Question 21

The desired or intended effect a medication is expected to have on the body.

Answer 21

therapeutic effect

Question 22

Medications that enter the body through the digestive system.

Answer 22

enteral medications

Question 23

Medications that are distributed to patients only by pharmacists according to a physician’s order.

Answer 23

prescription medications

Question 24

An injection directly into a vein; a medication delivery route.

Answer 24

intravenous injection

Question 25

Under the tongue; a medication delivery route.

Answer 25

sublingual

Question 26

Medications that treat or reduce a fever.

Answer 26

antipyretics

Question 27

Actions that are undesirable but pose little risk to the patient.

Answer 27

unintended effects

Question 28

When the EMT administers medication to himself or herself or to a partner.

Answer 28

peer-assisted medication

Question 29

A medication that prevents blood platelets from clumping or sticking together.

Answer 29

antiplatelet

Question 30

The therapeutic uses for a specific medication.

Answer 30

indications

Question 31

Conditions that make a particular medication or treatment inappropriate because it would not help, or may actually harm, a patient.

Answer 31

contraindications

Question 32

Actions that can be harmful to the patient.

Answer 32

untoward effects

Question 33

A miniature spray canister used to direct medications through the mouth and into the lungs.

Answer 33

metered-dose inhaler

Question 34

Any unwanted clinical results of a medication.

Answer 34

adverse effects

Question 35

The therapeutic effect of a medication on the body.

Answer 35

action

Question 36

An injection into a muscle; a medication delivery route.

Answer 36

intramuscular injection

Question 37

When the EMT assists the patient with the administration of his or her own medication.

Answer 37

patient-assisted medication

Question 38

Through the mouth; a medication delivery route; same as oral.

Answer 38

per os

Question 39

A medication that increases cardiac perfusion by causing blood vessels to dilate; EMTs may be allowed to assist the patient to self-administer this medication.

Answer 39

nitroglycerin

Question 40

A medication that causes stimulation of receptors.

Answer 40

agonist

Question 41

The brand name that a manufacturer gives a medication; the name is capitalized.

Answer 41

trade name

Question 42

A semiliquid substance that is administered orally in capsule form or through plastic tubes.

Answer 42

gel

Question 43

The original chemical name of a medication (in contrast to one of its proprietary or trade names); the name is not capitalized.

Answer 43

generic name

Question 44

A simple sugar that is readily absorbed by the bloodstream; it is carried on the EMS unit.

Answer 44

oral glucose

Question 45

By mouth; a medication delivery route.

Answer 45

oral

Question 46

A delivery route in which a medication is pushed through a specialized atomizer device called a mucosal atomizer device (MAD) into the naris.

Answer 46

intranasal

Question 47

The amount of time from the administration of a medication to the onset of clinical effects.

Answer 47

onset of action

Question 48

A substance that is used to treat or prevent disease or relieve pain.

Answer 48

medication

Question 49

The use of multiple medications on a regular basis.

Answer 49

polypharmacy

Question 50

A mixture of ground particles that are distributed evenly throughout a liquid but do not dissolve.

Answer 50

suspension

Question 51

A medication that increases heart rate and blood pressure but also eases breathing problems by decreasing muscle tone of the bronchiole tree; a substance produced by the body (commonly called adrenaline), and a drug produced by pharmaceutical companies that increases pulse rate and blood pressure; the drug of choice for an anaphylactic reaction.

Answer 51

epinephrine

Question 52

Lotions, creams, and ointments that are applied to the surface of the skin and affect only that area; a medication delivery route.

Answer 52

topical medications

Question 53

A liquid mixture that cannot be separated by filtering or allowing the mixture to stand.

Answer 53

solution

Question 54

The process by which a medication works in the body.

Answer 54

pharmacodynamics

Question 55

The process by which medications travel through body tissues until they reach the bloodstream.

Answer 55

absorption

Question 56

Medications that may be purchased directly by a patient without a prescription.

Answer 56

over-the-counter medication

Question 57

A medication that impairs the ability of blood to clot.

Answer 57

anticoagulant

Question 58

The amount of time that clinical effects of a medication last.

Answer 58

duration

Question 59

Through the rectum; a medication delivery route.

Answer 59

per rectum

Question 60

A medication used to treat infections caused by a fungus.

Answer 60

antifungal

Question 61

The process of removing a medication or chemical from within the body.

Answer 61

elimination

Question 62

Through the skin; a medication delivery route.

Answer 62

transcutaneous

Question 63

A medication that is an antipyretic (reduces fever), analgesic (reduces pain), anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation), and a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation (clumping).

Answer 63

aspirin

Question 64

A medication used to treat infections caused by a bacterium.

Answer 64

antibiotic

Question 65

The point or period when the maximum clinical effect of a drug is achieved.

Answer 65

peak

Question 66

An injection into the bone; a medication delivery route.

Answer 66

intraosseous injection

Question 67

A gas that all cells need for metabolism; the heart and brain, especially, cannot function without it.

Answer 67

oxygen

Question 68

Administration of a medication by the EMT directly to the patient.

Answer 68

EMT-administered medication

Question 69

Pharmacology is defined as the:
study of cells and tissues.
study of drugs and medications.
effects of medications in the lungs.
distribution of drugs to the body’s tissues.

Answer 69

study of drugs and medications.

Question 70

Which of the following statements regarding medications is FALSE?
Many medications are known by different names.
Some medications affect more than one body system.
Over-the-counter drugs must be prescribed by a physician.
EMTs should ask about any herbal remedies or vitamins that the patient may be taking.

Answer 70

Over-the-counter drugs must be prescribed by a physician.

Question 71

Which of the following routes of medication administration has the fastest effect?
Oral
Intravenous
Subcutaneous
Intramuscular

Answer 71

Intravenous

Question 72

When administered to a patient, a metered-dose inhaler will:
deliver the same dose each time it is administered.
be ineffective when given to patients with asthma.
deliver a different dose each time it is administered.
be delivered to the lungs over a period of 6 to 8 hours.

Answer 72

deliver the same dose each time it is administered.

Question 73

You are managing a 62-year-old woman who complains of crushing chest pain. Her blood pressure is 84/64 mm Hg, and her heart rate is 110 beats/min. Medical control advises you to assist her in taking her prescribed nitroglycerin. After receiving this order, you should:
reassess the patient’s heart rate and then assist with the nitroglycerin.
repeat the patient’s blood pressure to the physician and confirm the order.
wait 10 minutes, reassess the blood pressure, and then give the nitroglycerin.
administer the nitroglycerin to the patient and then reassess her blood pressure.

Answer 73

repeat the patient’s blood pressure to the physician and confirm the order.

Question 74

Activated charcoal is indicated for patients who have ingested certain drugs and toxins because it:
acts as a direct reversal agent for most medications.
induces vomiting before the chemical can be digested.
detoxifies the drug before it can cause harm to the patient.
binds to chemicals in the stomach and delays absorption

Answer 74

binds to chemicals in the stomach and delays absorption

Question 75

With regard to pharmacology, the term “action” refers to the:
ability of a drug to cause harm.
ability of a drug to produce side effects.
amount of time it will take the drug to work.
expected effect of a drug on the patient’s body.

Answer 75

expected effect of a drug on the patient’s body.

Question 76

Which of the following patients is the BEST candidate for oral glucose?
Conscious patient who is showing signs of hypoglycemia
Unconscious diabetic patient with a documented low blood sugar
Conscious diabetic patient suspected of being hyperglycemic
Semiconscious patient with signs and symptoms of low blood sugar

Answer 76

Conscious patient who is showing signs of hypoglycemia

Question 77

Epinephrine is given to patients with anaphylactic shock because of its effects of:
bronchodilation and vasodilation.
bronchodilation and vasoconstriction.
vasodilation and bronchoconstriction.
bronchoconstriction and vasoconstriction.

Answer 77

bronchodilation and vasoconstriction.

Question 78

The process by which medications travel through body tissues until they reach the bloodstream is called:
adsorption.
onset of action.
absorption.
transformation.

Answer 78

absorption.

Question 79

1. A medication with antagonistic properties is one that:
   Select one:
   A. enhances the effects of another medication when given in a higher dose.
   B. produces a cumulative effect when mixed with the same type of medication.
   C. blocks receptor sites and prevents other chemicals from attaching to them.
   D. stimulates receptor sites and allows other chemicals to attach to them.

Answer 79

C. blocks receptor sites and prevents other chemicals from attaching to them.

Question 80

2. When gathering a patient’s medications, you find the following: Isordil, Lasix, Nexium, and digoxin. Which of these medications can be obtained over-the-counter (OTC)?
   Select one:
   A. Lasix
   B. Nexium
   C. Isordil
   D. Digoxin

Answer 80

B. Nexium

Question 81

3. A 31-year-old female is experiencing an acute asthma attack. She is conscious and alert, but in obvious respiratory distress. After assisting her with her prescribed MDI, you should:
   Select one:
   A. reassess the patient and document her response to the medication.
   B. check the drug’s expiration date to ensure that it is still current.
   C. administer another treatment in 30 seconds if she is still in distress.
   D. contact medical control and apprise him or her of what you did.

Answer 81

A. reassess the patient and document her response to the medication.

Question 82

4. How is nitroglycerin usually given by the EMT?
   Select one:
   A. Injected
   B. Inhaled
   C. Sublingually
   D. Orally

Answer 82

C. Sublingually

Question 83

5. You are dispatched to a movie theater for a 39-year-old female with signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. As you are assessing her, she pulls an epinephrine auto-injector out of her purse and hands it to you. After confirming the drug’s name and expiration date, you should:
   Select one:
   A. ask her if she takes other medications.
   B. contact medical control.
   C. request an ALS ambulance to administer the drug.
   D. administer the drug.

Answer 83

B. contact medical control.

Question 84

6. Which of the following is an example of a rules-based medication error?
   Select one:
   A. The EMT accidentally gives a higher drug dose than what is indicated.
   B. The EMT administers a drug that is contraindicated for the patient.
   C. The EMT administers a drug that is not approved by the medical director.
   D. The EMT administers the correct drug, but gives it by the wrong route.

Answer 84

C. The EMT administers a drug that is not approved by the medical director.

Question 85

7. EMTs arrive at the scene of a patient who was “found down.” A family member states that she gave naloxone (Narcan) to the patient before the ambulance arrived. The EMTs should suspect that the patient:
   Select one:
   A. has a history of allergic reactions.
   B. experienced a prolonged seizure.
   C. has a low blood glucose level.
   D. overdosed on an opioid drug.

Answer 85

D. overdosed on an opioid drug.

Question 86

8. Advil, Nuprin, and Motrin are trade (brand) names for the generic medication:
   Select one:
   A. acetaminophen.
   B. ibuprofen.
   C. aspirin.
   D. nitrostat.

Answer 86

B. ibuprofen.

Question 87

9. While assisting a paramedic in the attempted resuscitation of a 55-year-old male in cardiac arrest, you should expect the paramedic to:
   Select one:
   A. administer drugs via the IV route to achieve the fastest effect.
   B. withhold drug therapy until an intraosseous catheter is in place.
   C. give the patient activated charcoal to rule out a drug overdose.
   D. give the patient nitroglycerin to increase his blood pressure.

Answer 87

A. administer drugs via the IV route to achieve the fastest effect.

Question 88

10. You are treating a middle-aged man with chest discomfort. He has a history of three previous heart attacks and takes nitroglycerin as needed for chest pain. You have standing orders to administer aspirin to patients with suspected cardiac-related chest pain or discomfort. While your partner is preparing to give oxygen to the patient, you should:
    Select one:
    A. assist the patient in taking one of his prescribed nitroglycerins, assess his vital signs, and give him aspirin if he is still experiencing chest discomfort.
    B. confirm that the patient is not allergic to aspirin, give him the appropriate dose of aspirin, and document the time and dose given.
    C. contact medical control, apprise him or her of the patient’s chief complaint and vital signs, and request permission to give him aspirin.
    D. ensure that the patient’s systolic blood pressure is at least 100 mm Hg because aspirin dilates the blood vessels and can cause a drop in blood pressure.

Answer 88

B. confirm that the patient is not allergic to aspirin, give him the appropriate dose of aspirin, and document the time and dose given.

Question 89

11. A 62-year-old male is seen with crushing chest pain, which he describes as being the same kind of pain that he had with a previous heart attack. He has prescribed nitroglycerin but states that he has not taken any. After administering supplemental oxygen, if needed, and contacting medical control, you should:
    Select one:
    A. assist him with his nitroglycerin unless his systolic blood pressure is less than 100 mm Hg.
    B. begin immediate transport and request a rendezvous with a paramedic unit.
    C. administer up to three doses of nitroglycerin before assessing his blood pressure.
    D. administer the nitroglycerin unless he has taken Viagra within the past 72 hours.

Answer 89

A. assist him with his nitroglycerin unless his systolic blood pressure is less than 100 mm Hg.

Question 90

12. An EMT may administer aspirin to a patient if:
    Select one:
    A. the patient is believed to be experiencing an acute stroke.
    B. authorization from medical control has been obtained.
    C. the patient is currently experiencing hypotension.
    D. transport time to the hospital is greater than 30 minutes.

Answer 90

B. authorization from medical control has been obtained.

Question 91

13. Aspirin is beneficial to patients suspected of having a heart attack because it:
    Select one:
    A. prevents the aggregation of platelets.
    B. reduces the associated chest pain.
    C. causes direct coronary vasodilation.
    D. dissolves the coronary artery clot.

Answer 91

A. prevents the aggregation of platelets.

Question 92

14. In ___________ administration, you are administering medication to yourself or your partner.
    Select one:
    A. peer-assisted
    B. paramedic-administered
    C. patient-assisted
    D. EMT-administered

Answer 92

A. peer-assisted

Question 93

15. Nitroglycerin, when given to patients with cardiac-related chest pain:
    Select one:
    A. constricts the veins throughout the body.
    B. relaxes the walls of the coronary arteries.
    C. increases myocardial contraction force.
    D. increases blood return to the right atrium.

Answer 93

B. relaxes the walls of the coronary arteries.

Question 94

16. Separation is especially an issue with medicine used as a(n):
    Select one:
    A. suspension.
    B. elixir.
    C. solution.
    D. gel.

Answer 94

A. suspension.

Question 95

17. The __________ of a medication usually dictates the route by which it will be administered.
    Select one:
    A. class
    B. form
    C. name
    D. type

Answer 95

B. form

Question 96

18. The medical term for a low blood glucose level is:
    Select one:
    A. hypoglycemia.
    B. hypertension.
    C. hypotension.
    D. hyperglycemia.

Answer 96

A. hypoglycemia.

Question 97

19. The process by which medications travel through body tissues until they reach the bloodstream is called:
    Select one:
    A. absorption.
    B. adsorption.
    C. digestion.
    D. suspension.

Answer 97

A. absorption.

Question 98

20 The term “pharmacology” is MOST accurately defined as:
Select one:
A. the study of drug excretion from the human body.
B. the study of drugs that are produced illegally.
C. the study of drugs and their actions on the body.
D. the study of how medications affect the brain.

Answer 98

C. the study of drugs and their actions on the body.

Question 99

21. What medication form does oral glucose come in?
    Select one:
    A. Liquid
    B. Gel
    C. Fine powder
    D. Suspension

Answer 99

B. gel

Question 100

22. When assessing an elderly male who complains of nausea and generalized weakness, you find that he takes atorvastatin (Lipitor) and amlodipine (Norvasc). These medications suggest a history of:
    Select one:
    A. reactive airway disease.
    B. bacterial infection.
    C. cardiovascular disease.
    D. non-insulin-dependent diabetes.

Answer 100

C. cardiovascular disease.

Question 101

23. Which of the following is an example of a generic of a drug?
    Select one:
    A. Advil
    B. Aspirin
    C. Excedrin
    D. Bayer

Answer 101

B. Aspirin

Question 102

24. Which of the following medication routes delivers a drug through the skin over an extended period of time, such as a nitroglycerin or fentanyl patch?
    Select one:
    A. Subcutaneous
    B. Transcutaneous
    C. Intraosseous
    D. Sublingual

Answer 102

B. Transcutaneous

Question 103

25. Which of the following statements regarding glucose is correct?
    Select one:
    A. Glucose is usually administered by the EMT via the intravenous route.
    B. Glucose is a simple sugar that is readily absorbed by the cells.
    C. Glucose is a complex sugar that rapidly absorbs into the bloodstream.
    D. Glucose is given to patients who are suspected of being hyperglycemic.

Answer 103

B. Glucose is a simple sugar that is readily absorbed by the cells.

Question 104

26. Which of the following statements regarding parenteral medications is correct?
    Select one:
    A. Compared to enteral medications, parenteral medications have fewer side effects.
    B. Parenteral medications are absorbed more quickly than enteral medications.
    C. Parenteral medications are absorbed by the body through the digestive system.
    D. Tylenol is an example of a parenteral medication because it is taken orally.

Answer 104

B. Parenteral medications are absorbed more quickly than enteral medications.

Question 105

27. Which of the following statements regarding the epinephrine auto-injector is correct?
    Select one:
    A. The auto-injector delivers epinephrine via the subcutaneous route.
    B. The epinephrine auto-injector delivers a preset amount of the drug.
    C. The adult auto-injector delivers 0.5 to 1 mg of epinephrine.
    D. EMTs do not need physician authorization to use the auto-injector.

Answer 105

B. The epinephrine auto-injector delivers a preset amount of the drug.

Question 106

28. Which of the following statements regarding the metered-dose inhaler (MDI) is correct?
    Select one:
    A. MDIs are contraindicated for patients with asthma or emphysema.
    B. An MDI delivers the same amount of medication every time it is used.
    C. Shaking an MDI prior to use will cause deactivation of the medication.
    D. MDIs are most commonly used by patients with cardiovascular disease.

Answer 106

B. An MDI delivers the same amount of medication every time it is used.

Question 107

29. With the flowmeter set at 6 L/min, the nasal cannula will deliver up to _______ oxygen.
    Select one:
    A. 44%
    B. 34%
    C. 14%
    D. 24%

Answer 107

A. 44%

Question 108

30. You are treating a 45-year-old woman who was stung by a hornet and has a rash. She tells you that she is allergic to hornets and has her own epinephrine auto-injector. She also tells you that she takes medication for hypertension. Her breath sounds do not reveal any wheezing, her breathing is unlabored, and her blood pressure is 154/94 mm Hg. What should you do if you are not able to make contact with medical control?
    Select one:
    A. Administer her epinephrine, reassess her condition, and transport her promptly.
    B. Begin immediate transport and request an intercept with a paramedic ambulance.
    C. Give her half the dose of her epinephrine in case her allergic reaction is delayed.
    D. Begin transport to the hospital and closely monitor her condition while en route.

Answer 108

D. Begin transport to the hospital and closely monitor her condition while en route.