EMT Pharmacology

Question 1

Activated Charcoal Pharmacodynamics, Side Effects, Dose

Answer 1

Binds and absorbs toxic substances in the digestive tract.

Side effects: nausea, vomiting, constipation, black stools

Dose: PO
1-2 g/kg

Question 2

Activated Charcoal Indications and Contraindications

Answer 2

Indications: most oral poisonings/overdoses

Contraindications: decreased LOC, overdose of corrosives, caustics or petroleum substances

Question 3

Albuterol Pharmacodynamics, Side Effects, Dose

Answer 3

Binds with B2 receptors in the lungs, causing bronchodilation

Side effects: tachycardia, hypertension, anxiety and restlessness

Dose: inhalation
1-2 puffs (MDI)
2.5 mg (SVN)

Question 4

Albuterol Indications and Contraindications

Answer 4

Indications: asthma/dyspnea with wheezing

Contraindications: known hypersensitivity to medication, chest pain of cardiac origin

Question 5

Aspirin Pharmacodynamics, Side Effects, Dose

Answer 5

Anti inflammatory agent, prevents platelet aggregation

Side effects: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, bleeding, allergic reactions

Dose: PO (chewed)
160 to 325 mg

Question 6

Aspirin Indications and Contraindications

Answer 6

Indications: relief of mild pain (headache, muscle aches), chest pain suspected of cardiac origin

Contraindications: known allergy to medication

Question 7

Epinephrine Pharmacodynamics, Side Effects, Dose

Answer 7

Stimulates sympathetic nervous system which causes bronchodilation and vasoconstriction

Side effects: tachycardia, hypertension, anxiety, and restlessness

Dose: intramuscular
0.3 mg (patients greater than 30kg or 66lbs)
.15 mg (patients less than 30 kg)

Question 8

Naloxone pharmacodynamics, Side Effects, Dose

Answer 8

Binds to opiate receptors and reverses respiratory depression from an opiate overdose*may have to administer more than once

Side effects: nausea and vomiting

Dose: intramuscular, IN
.4 mg Auto injector
2 mg IN

Question 9

Naloxone Indications and Contraindications

Answer 9

Indications: respiratory depression from a suspected opioid overdose

Contraindications: known hypersensitivity to medication

Question 10

Nitroglycerin Pharmacodynamics, Side Effects, Dose

Answer 10

Dilates blood vessels

Side Effects: headache, dizziness, weakness, tachycardia

Dose: SL (tablet or spray)
.4 mg (wait 5 mins before repeating dose)
Always wear gloves when handling NTG tablets/spray

Question 11

Oral glucose Pharmacodynamics, Side Effects, Dose

Answer 11

When absorbed, provides glucose for cell use

Side Effects: nausea and vomiting

Dose: PO (between the cheek and gum)
1/2 to 1 tube (7.5 to 15 grams)

Question 12

Oral Glucose Indications and Contraindications

Answer 12

Indications: low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) <70mg

Contraindications: Do not give to an unconscious patient or one who cannot protect the airway

Question 13

Oxygen Pharmacodynamics, Side Effects, Dose

Answer 13

Reverses hypoxia

Side Effects: possible decreased respiratory effort in patients with COPD

Dose: inhalation
Use O2 delivery devices to administer 24-100% oxygen

Question 14

Oxygen Indications and Contraindications

Answer 14

Indications: Hypoxia or suspected hypoxia

Contraindications: Administer carefully to patients with COPD, do not use near open flame

Question 15

Nitroglycerin Indications and Contraindications

Answer 15

Hypotension (SBP <100 mmHg or > 30 mmHG below baseline BP)
Severe bradycardia (<50 per minute)
Tachycardia (>100 per minute)
Use of phosphodiesterase
inhibitors within the last 48 hours