Chapter 12 Concepts

Question 1

Pharmacology

Answer 1

The science of drugs, including their ingredients, preparation, uses, and actions on the body

Question 2

Routes of medication administration

Answer 2

intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous injection; intranasal; oral; sublingual; intraosseous (injection into the bone); transcutaneous; by inhalation; by rectum

Question 3

seven forms of medications

Answer 3

tablets and capsules, solutions and suspensions, MDIs (Metered-dose inhaler), topical medications, transdermal medications, gels, gases

Question 4

Requirements for approval of administering medication

Answer 4

The administration of any medication requires approval by medical control, through direct orders given online, or standing orders that are part of the local protocols

Question 5

Steps of administering medications:

Answer 5

Verify the patient, verify the proper medication, verify the dose, verify the route, verify the time. After administration, reassess vital signs and document the patient’s history, assessment, treatment, and response findings

Question 6

Four medications typically carried on an EMT ambulance

Answer 6

oxygen, aspirin, oral glucose, epinephrine

Question 7

Rights of medication

Answer 7

Right patient. Right medication and indication. Right dose. Right Route. Right time. Right education. Right to refuse. Right response and evaluation. Right documentation.
Confirm steps with partner when possible

Question 8

Rights of medication: Right patient

Answer 8

Verifying the patient, and verifying any medications for that patient are for that patient (i.e. not prescribed to someone else)

Question 9

Rights of medication: Right medication and indication

Answer 9

Verify the proper medication and prescription, confirm the medication and make sure the patient is still a candidate, check for contraindications.

Question 10

Rights of medication: Right dose

Answer 10

verify the form and dose of the medication

Question 11

Rights of medication: Right route

Answer 11

Verify the route; you may not substitute different forms of medication without specific orders from medical control

Question 12

Rights of medication: Right time

Answer 12

Check the expiration date and condition of the medication. If advised to repeat treatment at a specific time, administer the treatment at the right time

Question 13

Rights of medication: Right education

Answer 13

Inform the patient of the medication you intend to administer. Confirm/reconfirm if the patient has any medication allergies or sensitivity to the medication/medication category. Inform the patient of any likely adverse effects or unusual sensations they may experience as the medication is administered

Question 14

Rights of medication: Right to refuse

Answer 14

Patients with decision-making capacity can decline or refuse proposed interventions or medications. If a patient is unresponsive, briefly check for an advanced directive.R

Question 15

Rights of medication: Right response an evaluation

Answer 15

Monitor the patient’s vital signs, mental status, signs of perfusion, and respiratory effort after medication administration. Look for expected response, and any adverse medication effects

Question 16

Rights of medication: right documentation

Answer 16

Document your actions and the patient response. Includes: the time you gave the medication, name, dose, route, if the patient’s condition improved, worsened, or did not change, any adverse effects.