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Emergency Medical Technician > Chapter 18 | General Pharmacology > Flashcards

Chapter 18 | General Pharmacology Flashcards

• Which medications may be carried by the EMT • Which medications the EMT may help administer to patients • What to consider when administering any medication • The role of medical direction in medication administration • How the EMT may assist with IV therapy

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
Royal College: Emergency Medicine flashcards USMLE® Step 1 flashcards
1
Q

List:

names for medications

3 points

A
  • chemical name
  • generic name
  • brand/trade name
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2
Q

List:

things to know about administering medications

4 points

A
  • indications
  • contraindications
  • side effects
  • untoward/adverse effects
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3
Q

Define:

indications

A

reasons for applying specific treatment

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4
Q

Define:

contraindications

A

reasons for not applying specific treatment

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5
Q

List:

the six rights

(and purpose)

A
  • right patient
  • right medication
  • right dose
  • right time
  • right route
  • right documentation

(checklist before administering medication)

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6
Q

Fill in the blank:

The six rights are used to make sure a medical provider is [BLANK].

A

The six rights are used to make sure a medical provider is administering medication properly.

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7
Q

Define:

TRAMP-ED

(and what it’s used for)

A
  • time
  • route
  • amount
  • medication
  • patient
  • expiration
  • documentation

(used in medication administration)

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8
Q

List:

routes of medication administration

10 points

A
  • oral (PO)
  • sublingual (SL)
  • buccal
  • inhaled
  • intramuscular (IM)
  • intranasal (IN)
  • subcutaneous (SubQ)
  • intraosseous (IO)
  • endotracheal (ET)
  • intravenous (IV)
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9
Q

Define:

PO

(abbreviation)

A

oral administration

(stands for “per os”)

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10
Q

Define:

SL

(abbreviation)

A

sublingual administration

(below the tongue)

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11
Q

Define:

sublingual (SL) administration

A

administering medicine under the tongue

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12
Q

Define:

IM

(abbreviation)

A

intramuscular administration

(like an Epi-Pen)

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13
Q

Define

intramuscular (IM) administration

A

administering medicine injected into muscle

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14
Q

Define:

IN

(abbreviation)

A

intranasal administration

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15
Q

Define:

intranasal (IN) administration

A

administering medicine aromized into mist absorbed by mucus membranes in nose

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16
Q

Define:

MAD

(abbreviation)

A

mucosal atomization device

makes nasal spray

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17
Q

Define:

mucosal atomization device (MAD)

A

device used to create fine mist for intranasal administration (IN) of medicine

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18
Q

Define:

SubQ

(abbreviation)

A

subcutaneous administration

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19
Q

Define:

subcutaneous (SubQ) administration

A

administering medicine by injection in the fatty tissue (just under the skin)

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20
Q

Define:

IO

(abbreviation)

A

intraosseous administration

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21
Q

Define:

intraosseous (IO) administration

A

the placement of a specialized hollow bore needle through the cortex of a bone into the medullary space for infusion of medical therapy and laboratory tests

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22
Q

Define:

ET

(abbreviation)

A

endotracheal administration

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23
Q

Define:

endotracheal (ET) administration

A

administering medicine through endotracheal tube

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24
Q

Define:

IV

(abbreviation)

A

intravenous administration

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25
Q

Define:

intravenous (IV) administration

A

administering medicine through injection into blood vessels

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26
Q

Define:

pharmacodynamics (PD)

A

study of effects of medicines on the body

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27
Q

Define:

pharmacokinetics (PK)

A

study of absorption and elimination in
the body

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28
Q

List:

medications administered by EMTs

7 points

A
  • aspirin
  • oral glucose
  • activated charcoal
  • oxygen
  • naloxone (Narcan)
  • epinepherin (Epi-Pen)
  • albuterol
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29
Q

List:

medications assisted by EMTs

3 points

A
  • inhaler
  • nitroglycerin (nitro)
  • epinepherin (Epi-Pen)
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30
Q

Explain:

proper dosage for aspirin

(for adults)

A

4 baby aspirins (81mg each)

(324 mg for adults)

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31
Q

Explain:

administration route for aspirin

A

oral intake (PO)

(usually chewable tablets)

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32
Q

Explain:

what aspirin does

A

prevents further aggregation of platelets

(does not bust blood clots)

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33
Q

List:

indications of aspirin

A

chest pain/discomfort of cardiac nature

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34
Q

List:

contraindications of aspirin

3 points

A
  • asthma (often associated with aspirin allergy)
  • recent trauma (prevents clotting)
  • GI bleeding (prevents clotting)
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35
Q

List:

side effects of aspirin

2 points

A
  • nausea/vomiting
  • light-headedness
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36
Q

Answer:

Is medical command required to administer aspirin?

A

no

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37
Q

Explain:

proper dosage for oral glucose

A

15 g

(1 single-dose tube or 1/3 of triple-dose tube)

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38
Q

Explain:

administration route for oral glucose

A

buccal administration

(in the cheek)

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39
Q

Define:

buccal administration

A

absorption of medication between gums and cheek

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40
Q

Explain:

what oral glucose does

A

increases blood sugar level

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41
Q

List:

indications of oral glucose

2 points

A
  • AMS with history of diabetes
  • suspected hypoglycemia
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42
Q

List:

contraindications of oral glucose

3 points

A
  • unable to follow simple commands
  • unable to protect airway
  • hyperglycemia
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43
Q

Explain:

potential side effect of oral glucose

A

possible hyperglycemia

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44
Q

Answer:

Is medical command required to administer oral glucose?

A

no

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45
Q

Explain:

proper dosage for oxygen

A

0-6 L/min via nasal cannula (NC)

15 L/min via non-rebreather mask (NRB)

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46
Q

Explain:

administration route for supplemental oxygen

A

inhalation

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47
Q

Explain:

what supplemental oxygen does

A

increases percentage of oxygen in inhaled air

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48
Q

List:

indications of supplemental oxygen

3 points

A
  • respiratory distress
  • suspected shock
  • severe trauma
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49
Q

List:

contraindications of supplemental oxygen

A

none

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50
Q

Explain:

potential side effect of supplemental oxygen

A

long-term, non-humidified use can cause dehydration and nose bleeds

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51
Q

Answer:

Is medical command required to administer supplemental oxygen?

A

no

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52
Q

Explain:

proper dosage for activated charcoal

(for adults)

A

25-50g

(1-2 bottles)

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53
Q

Explain:

proper dosage for activated charcoal

(for children)

A

1g per 1kg of body weight (12.5-25g)

(0.5-1 bottle)

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54
Q

Explain:

administration route for activated charcoal

A

oral intake (PO)

(as a powder premixed with water)

55
Q

Explain:

what activated charcoal does

A

binds to ingested particulate (to avoid poisoning)

56
Q

Explain:

primary indication of activated charcoal

A

ingestion of poison or toxin

57
Q

List:

contraindications of activated charcoal

3 points

A
  • inability to swallow, maintain airway, or follow orders
  • ingestion of caustic substance
  • exposure to poison or toxin via means other than ingestion
58
Q

List:

potential side effects of activated charcoal

2 points

A
  • vomiting
  • black stool (tar in feces) for a few days later
59
Q

Answer:

Is medical command required to administer activated charcoal?

A

yes

(must be contacted before administration)

60
Q

Explain:

proper dosage for bronchodilator inhaler

A

patient’s prescribed dose

(usually 2 puffs)

61
Q

Explain:

proper dosage for albuterol treatment

A

2.5mg

(through handheld nebulizer)

62
Q

Explain:

administration route for bronchodilator inhaler

A

inhalation

63
Q

Explain:

administration route for albuterol treatment

A

inhalation

64
Q

Explain:

what bronchodilator inhaler does

A

causes bronchodilation

(allows air to more easily flow to lungs)

65
Q

Explain:

what albuterol treatment does

A

causes bronchodilation

(β-2 agonist)

66
Q

Explain:

primary indication of bronchodilator inhaler or albuterol treatment

A

respiratory distress with signs of bronchoconstriction and/or wheezing

67
Q

Explain:

primary contraindication of bronchodilator inhaler or albuterol treatment

A

respiratory distress not suspected to be caused by bronchoconstriction

68
Q

List:

potential side effects of bronchodilator inhaler or albuterol treatment

2 points

A
  • increased HR
  • all the feels (anxiety/shaking/nervousness)
69
Q

Answer:

Is medical command required to administer bronchodilator inhaler or albuterol treatment?

A

no for first dose

yes for subsequent doses

70
Q

Explain:

proper dosage for nitroglycerin (nitro)

A

0.4 mg

(equivalent to 1 spray or tablet)

71
Q

Explain:

administration route for nitroglycerin (nitro)

A

sublingual (SL) administration

under the tongue

72
Q

List:

what nitroglycerin (nitro) does

3 points (like how it works inside you)

A
  • dilates coronary arteries
  • thereby reduces workload of heart
  • thereby reduces oxygen demand
73
Q

Fill in the blank:

Nitroglycerin reduces the workload of the heart by [BLANK].

A

Nitroglycerin reduces the workload of the heart by dilating the coronary arteries.

74
Q

Explain:

primary indication of nitroglycerin (nitro)

A

chest pain/discomfort of cardiac nature

75
Q

List:

contraindications of nitroglycerin (nitro)

3 points

A
  • non-cardiac chest pain
  • ED drug used in last 24-48 hours
  • systolic BP under 100
76
Q

List:

side effects of nitroglycerin (nitro)

3 points

A
  • headaches
  • increased HR
  • decreased BP

dizziness/fainting may occur due to BP

77
Q

Answer:

Is medical command required to administer nitroglycerin (nitro)?

A

no for first dose

yes for subsequent doses

78
Q

Explain:

proper dosage for epinephrine

(for adults)

A

0.3mg

79
Q

Explain:

proper dosage for epinephrine

(for children)

A

0.15mg

80
Q

Explain:

administration route for epinephrine

A

intramuscular (IM) administration

81
Q

List:

what epinephrine does

3 points

A
  • sympathetic activation
  • bronchodilation
  • vasoconstriction
82
Q

Explain:

primary indication of epinephrine

A

severe allergic reaction with signs of AMS or respiratory compromise

anaphylaxis

83
Q

Explain:

contraindication of epinephrine

A

none in true emergency setting

at worst, patient could have a mild allergic reaction

84
Q

List:

side effects of epinephrine

4 points

A
  • increased HR
  • headache
  • numbness in extremeties
  • all the feels (anxiety/nervousness/shaking)
85
Q

Answer:

Is medical command required to administer epinephrine?

A

no for first dose

yes for subsequent doses

86
Q

Explain:

proper dosage for naloxone (Narcan)

A

2mg

87
Q

Explain:

administration route for naloxone (Narcan)

A

intranasal (IN) administration

88
Q

Explain:

what naloxone (Narcan) does

A

reverses effects of narcotics

(including depressed consciousness and respiration)

89
Q

Explain:

indications of naloxone (Narcan)

A

suspected narcotic overdose or coma of unknown cause

90
Q

Explain:

primary contraindication of naloxone (Narcan)

A

patient is breathing adequately and able to maintain own airway

91
Q

Explain:

primary side effect of naloxone (Narcan)

A

may precipitate withdrawal in patients dependent on narcotics

92
Q

Answer:

Is medical command required to administer naloxone (Narcan)?

A

no

93
Q

Explain:

why ED meds are a contraindication for nitroglycerin

A

both ED meds and nitro cause blood vessels to dilate

could cause dramatic drop in BP

patient dies

94
Q

Define:

sympathetic response

A

nervous system’s natural response to dangerous or stressful situations

(increased heart rate and blood flow)

95
Q

Define:

sympathetic activation

A

trigger which causes sympathetic response

(epinephrine causes sympathetic activation)

96
Q

Define:

bronchodilation

A

widening of bronchial tubes

bigger tubes to move more air

97
Q

Define:

bronchoconstriction

A

constriction of bronchial tubes

smaller tubes to move less air

98
Q

Define:

vasoconstriction

A

constriction of blood vessels

smaller pipes to flow less blood

99
Q

Define:

vasodilation

A

widening of blood vessels

bigger pipes to flow more blood

100
Q

Define:

ED

(abbreviation)

A

erectile dysfunction

101
Q

Define:

GERD

(abbreviation)

A

gastroesophageal reflux disease

102
Q

Fill in the blank:

Patients may often take metformin for [BLANK].

A

Patients may often take metformin for hyperglycemia (diabetes).

103
Q

Fill in the blank:

Patients may often take HCTZ for [BLANK] or [BLANK].

A

Patients may often take HCTZ for high BP or fluid retention (edema).

104
Q

Fill in the blank:

Patients may often take lisinopril for [BLANK].

A

Patients may often take lisinopril for high BP.

105
Q

Fill in the blank:

Patients may often take amlodipine for [BLANK].

A

Patients may often take amlodipine for high BP.

106
Q

Fill in the blank:

Patients may often take omeprazol for [BLANK].

A

Patients may often take omeprazol for GERD.

107
Q

Fill in the blank:

Patients may often take simvastatin for [BLANK].

A

Patients may often take simvastatin for high cholesterol.

108
Q

Define:

epiglottitis

A

infection causing swelling around glottis opening

109
Q

List:

signs/symptoms of epiglottitis

5 points

A
  • throat stuff (soreness/drooling/swallowing)
  • position of stress (upright/tripod)
  • muffled voice
  • fever/sickness
  • stridor
110
Q

Answer:

What are the names given to each medication listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia?

3 points

A
  • trade
  • chemical
  • generic
111
Q

Answer:

You are called to an elementary school for an 8-year-old female patient who is experiencing respiratory distress. The school nurse states the patient has an epinephrine auto-injector for a possible anaphylactic reaction to bee stings. The patient also has an albuterol inhaler for exercise-induced asthma. The patient is breathing 30 times a minute, is in the tripod position, and is speaking in two- to three-word sentences. The nurse states the patient was playing basketball in the gym when she started having difficulty breathing. The patient has wheezing in all lung fields. An ALS unit is en route but it is 10 minutes away. You are 20 minutes away from the nearest hospital.

After placing the patient on oxygen, what should your next intervention be?

A

contact medical control and request to assist the patient with her albuterol

112
Q

Answer:

What is the most important medication that should be administered to a patient experiencing chest pain with difficulty breathing?

A

aspirin

113
Q

Answer:

What instructions should you give to a patient whom you are about to assist with administering epinephrine?

A

give notice that you will inject medication into their thigh

“I’m gonna jab your leg now”

114
Q

Choose:

You are on the scene of a 48-year-old male patient complaining of chest pain. He has nitroglycerin prescribed and available. After performing your physical examination, you contact medical control and are ordered to assist the patient in taking his nitroglycerin. Five minutes after taking his nitroglycerin, the patient complains of being dizzy and having a headache. You lie the patient down on the stretcher and reassess his vital signs. He is now hypotensive.

What is this patient suffering from?

A: untoward reaction to nitroglycerin.

B: anaphylactic reaction to nitroglycerin.

C: allergic reaction to nitroglycerin.

D: side effect of nitroglycerin.

A

D

115
Q

Define:

untoward effect

A

undesired harmful effect resulting from a medication or other intervention

typically supercedes medical benefits

116
Q

Choose:

You have just administered nitroglycerin to a 68-year-old patient. Within a few minutes, she complains of feeling faint and lightheaded, but states that she is still having some chest pain.

Which of the following would be the best sequence of actions?

A: Administer activated charcoal to prevent further absorption of the nitroglycerin and closely monitor the patient’s blood pressure.

B: Advise the patient that this is a normal occurrence and administer a second dose of nitroglycerin.

C: Lower the head of the stretcher and take the patient’s blood pressure.

D: Increase the amount of oxygen you are giving to the patient before administering a second dose of nitroglycerin.

A

C

117
Q

Fill in the blank:

The study of drugs, their sources, and their effects is referred to as [BLANK].

A

The study of drugs, their sources, and their effects is referred to as pharmacology.

118
Q

Choose:

A

B

119
Q

Choose:

A

B

the brain is very sensitive to low blood sugar (which may be caused by poorly managed diabetes)

120
Q

Choose:

A

A

121
Q

Choose:

A

C

122
Q

Choose:

A

C

123
Q

Choose:

A

C

124
Q

Choose:

A

C

125
Q

Choose:

A

D

126
Q

Choose:

A

D

127
Q

Choose:

A

B

128
Q

Choose:

A

B

129
Q

Choose:

A

C

130
Q

Choose:

A

D

131
Q

Choose:

A

C

”anti-“: against

”dys-“: abnormal

”rhythmia”: heart rhythm

132
Q

Choose:

A

A

133
Q

Choose:

A

B

pharmacokinetics studies only the absorption and removal of medications

Emergency Medical Technician (41 decks)

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