Le36.Emergency Drugs

Question 1

What drug(s) should be used during a laryngospasm emergency?

Answer 1

Succinylcholine (=neuromuscular blocker) - 10-40 mg intravenously

Question 2

What drug(s) should be used during an asthmatic attack emergency? Dose?

Answer 2

A B2 agonist such as Albuterol (=Proventil; should be in E-kit!), metaproteranol, or terbutaline. Dose = Inhaler, 2 puffs

Question 3

What drug(s) should be used during an angina attack emergency? Dose?

Answer 3

Nitroglycerine (=Nitrostat; should be in E-kit!). Dose = 0.15-0.60 mg sublingually. Can give up to 3 doses in 5 minutes.

Question 4

What drug(s) should be used during an allergic reaction emergency? Dose?

Answer 4

1. Epinephrine (=adrenaline; should be in E-kit!). Dose = 1:1000 (1mg/ml) in preloaded syringe subQ, sublingual or IV.
2. Dyphenhydramine (Benadryl) for mild reactions. Dose = 10-15 mg IM or 25-50 mg by mouth

Question 5

Why is epinephrine effective in treating allergic reactions?

Answer 5

Stimulates

1. alpha receptors –> Vasodilation in periphery
2. Beta-2 –> broncho & vasodilation
3. Beta-1 –> Increased cardiac output

Question 6

What drug(s) should be used during a convulsive emergency (seizures)?

Answer 6

Diazepam (=Valium). Generally, just clear area & allow seizure to happen. Give Diazepam IV if seizure continuous for too long

Question 7

What drug(s) should be used to prevent additional platelet aggregation during a myocardial infarction emergency? Dose?

Answer 7

Aspirin. Dose = 325 mg by mouth (if conscious).

Question 8

What drug(s) should be used to decrease pain during an acute M.I. emergency? Dose?

Answer 8

Morphine, Meperidine, or NITROUS OXIDE (Big one, should be in E-Kit!). Dose = Give 50% N2O/O2 by inhalation

Question 9

Why is N2O the drug of choice for reducing pain during an MI attack?

Answer 9

B/c it decreases pain AND decreases O2 demand!

Question 10

What drug(s) should be used during respiratory depression from an opioid OD emergency?

Answer 10

Naloxone (=Narcan). Can be followed by Naltrexone to increase reversal time so pt doesn’t relapse back to respiratory depression.

Question 11

What drug(s) should be used during a hypoglycemic emergency?

Answer 11

Glucose, if pt is conscious, Glucagon, if pt is unconscious. Glucagon dose = 1 mg intramuscularly. Both should be in E-Kit!

Question 12

What drug(s) should be used during a poisoning emergency?

Answer 12

Syrup of Ipecac. Induces emesis w/in 15 min.