EMT Pharmacology

Question 1

Epinephrine

Answer 1

• anaphylaxis: difficulty breathing, rapid/weak pulse, hives, rapid decrease in bp
• Mechanism of action: peripheral vasoconstriction, increase HR and BP
• indications: anaphylaxis, rapid weak pulse, hives, difficulty breathing
• contraindications: expired, hypersensitivity
• complications: clothes in the way
• side effects: tachycardia, hypertension, restless, anxious
• interactions: dilates bronchioles and vasoconstriction = increase HR and ability to breathe
• route and dose: intramuscularly mid-thigh 90 degree angle, 1-auto injector (0.3 adults, 0.15 kids)

Question 2

Narcotic/opioid overdose

Answer 2

S/S:

• ALOC
• pinpoint pupils
• depressed breathing/respiratory arrest
• cool, clammy, cyanosis
• frequent vomiting
• unresponsive/extreme sleepiness

Treat:
- Naloxone (Narcan) 1mg/nostril

Question 3

Naloxone (Narcan)

Answer 3

• Indication: suspected opioid overdose - reverse the effects of narcotic OD - (depressed breathing, pinpoint pupils, decreased LOC, cool, clammy, cyanosis, vomiting)
• Contraindication: allergic, expired, extreme sensitivity, no medical direction
• Complication: deviated septum
• Side effects: combative, severe withdrawal, vomiting
• Interaction: kicks opioids off brain receptors, temporarily replacing them
• dose/route: 1ml per nasal, intranasally

Question 4

Oral Glucose

Answer 4

• indications: hypoglycemia (<80 BG, cool, clammy, pale, ALOC,
• contraindications: decreasing LOC, inability to swallow, expires, lack of medical direction
• complications: lose consciousness, choke
• side effects: nausea and vomiting
• dose and route: 1/2 - 1 tube, orally
• 5 rights (patient, medication, dose, route, time, document!)

Question 5

Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic acid)

Answer 5

• indications: chest pain
• contraindications: allergic, decreasing LOC, recent bleeding, recent alcohol consumption
• complications: choke, can’t swallow
• side effects: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, bleeding, allergic Rxn, Reye’s syndrome in pediatrics
• route and dose: 160-325 mg, orally (pills)
• mechanism of action: blood thinner, anti-inflammatory, fever reduction

Question 6

Oxygen

Answer 6

• indications: suspected hypoxia
• contraindications: unsafe environment
• complications: unstable airway
• side effects: COPD patients could get rare respiratory depression —> don’t give to stroke patients higher than 94% because O2 is a slight vasoconstrictor which could make the brain bleed worse
• dose/route:
  - 1-6 L/min (nasal cannula)
  - 10-15 L/min (non-rebreather or BVM)
  - inhaled

Question 7

Nitroglycerin

Answer 7

• indications: chest pain, suspected or history of angina or myocardial infarction
• contraindications: hypotension (low BP), head injury, not prescribed, expired, no medical direction
• complications: unconscious
• side effects: tachycardia, hypotension, headache, burning under tongue, nausea, vomiting
• dose/route: 0.4 mg spray/tablet, sublingual (under tongue)
• mechanism of action: vasodilation, decreased myocardial O2 demand, increase myocardial O2 supply (lower BP, easier blood flow)

Question 8

Activated charcoal

Answer 8

• indications: invested poison
• contraindications: decrease LOC, inability to swallow, ingestion if acids/alkalis/hydrocarbons, pediatric patient, expired, lack of medical direction
• complications: takes up to an hour to kick in, shake bottle (b/c settling), suction ready, temporary relief
• side effects: nausea, vomiting, dark/tarry still, black around mouth
• dose/route: adult 1g per 1kg body weight, orally (drink)
• mechanism of action: binds to drugs/chemicals/poison to prevent GI absorption

Question 9

Albuterol

Answer 9

Bronchodilator used to relive signs and symptoms of asthma

Question 10

Benzodiazepines

Answer 10

Psychoactive drug used for: anxiety, seizures, spasm

Overdose can cause hypersomnolence (excessive sleepiness), slurred speech, ataxia, and altered mental status