Medication Actions

Question 1

Actions

Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin)

Answer 1

Irreversibly inactivates cyclooxygenase and blocks platelet aggregation, thus reducing propagation of clot in coronary vessels during MI. Blocks pain impulses in the CNS as a NSAID.

Question 2

Actions

Adenosine (Adenocard)

Answer 2

Adenosine is a naturally occurring substance present in all cells that slows conduction through the AV node of the heart. Because of its rapid onset of action and short half-life, the administration of Adenosine is sometimes referred to as “chemical cardioversion”.

Question 3

Actions

Abuterol (Proventil)

Answer 3

A synthetic sympathomimetic that causes bronchodilation with reduced Beta 1 effects. Beta 2 adrenergic.

Question 4

Actions

Amiodarone (Cardorone)

Answer 4

Prolongs phase 3 of the action potential, duration, and refractory period in myocardial cells; acts as noncompetitive inhibitor of alpha- and beta- adrenergic receptors. It also has sodium and potassium channel blocker actions.

Question 5

Actions

Atropine Sulfate

Answer 5

* blocks acetylcholine receptors in organophosphate poisonings * reveres suspected vagal tone in bradycardia, asystole, and PEA

Question 6

Actions

Calcium Chloride 10%

Answer 6

* increases myocardial contractile force and ventricular automaticity * balances hyperkalemia * aids in the re-entry of calcium into muscle when given for calcium channel blocker or magnesium sulfate toxicity

Question 7

Actions

Dextrose 50%, 25%, 10%

Answer 7

increases blood glucose levels

Question 8

Actions

Diazepam (Valium)

Answer 8

increases the inhibitory processes in the cerebral cortex

Question 9

Actions

Diltiazem (Cardizem)

Answer 9

* inhibits the influx of calcium (Ca2+) ions during membrane depolarization of cardiac and vascular smooth muscle. The therapeutic benefits of diltiazem in SVTs are related to its ability to slow AV nodal conduction time and prolong AV nodal refractoriness. * decreases sinoatrial and atrioventricular conduction and has a negative inotropic effect.

Question 10

Actions

Diphenhydramine HCL (Benadryl)

Answer 10

* block histamine receptor sites in allergic reactions. * reverses side effects of dystonic reactions caused by phenothiazines

Question 11

Actions

Dopamine (Intropin)

Answer 11

• @ 2-5 ug/kg/min, increases perfusion to kidneys and abdominal organs
• @ 5-10 ug/kg/min, increases force and rate of ventricular contractions (Beta 1 effects)
• @ 10-20 ug/kg/min, peripheral vasoconstrictor (alpha 1 effects)

Question 12

Actions

Enalaprilat (Vasotec)

Answer 12

Inhibits conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Resulting in decreased afterload and decreased aldosterone sectretion

Question 13

Actions

Epinephrine HCL 1:1000 and 1:10,000

Answer 13

A potent alpha and beta stimulant that increases HR, contractile force, myocardial electrical activity, systemic vascular resistance, BP, and automaticity. Increases myocardial oxygen demand.

Question 14

Actions

Etomidate (Amidate)

Answer 14

Believed to have GABA like effects. The exact mechanism is unknown

Question 15

Actions

Fentanyl (Sublimaze)

Answer 15

binds to opioid receptors

Question 16

Actions

Furosemide (Lasix)

Answer 16

* A potent diuretic that inhibits sodium re-absorption by the kidneys. * Vasodilation of the pulmonary veins

Question 17

Actions

Glucagon HCL

Answer 17

* converts stored glycogen to glucose, increasing blood glucose levels. * improves cardiac contractility and increases heart rate

Question 18

Actions

Glucose, oral

Answer 18

Carbohydrate

Question 19

Actions

Haloperidol (Haldol)

Answer 19

Tranquilizer. Anti-psychotic.

Question 20

Actions

Hydrocortisone (Solu-Cortef)

Answer 20

Glucocorticoid steroid

Question 21

Actions

Hydroxocobalamin (Cyanokit)

Answer 21

Antidote. B12 precursor.

Question 22

Actions

Ipratropium Bromide (Atrovent)

Answer 22

Anticholinergic. Bronchodilator.

Question 23

Actions

Ketamine (Ketalar)

Answer 23

General Anesthetic

Question 24

Actions

Labetalol (Normodyne)

Answer 24

Alpha and Beta blocker

Question 25

Actions

Lidocaine HCL (Xylocaine)

Answer 25

Antiarrhythmic. Local Anesthetic.

Question 26

Actions

Magnesium Sulfate

Answer 26

Electrolite. Anticonvulsant.

Question 27

Actions

MethylPrednisolone (Solu-Medrol)

Answer 27

Anti-inflammatory Steroid

Question 28

Actions

Midazolam HCL (Versed)

Answer 28

Benzodiazepine

Question 29

Actions

Morphine Sulfate

Answer 29

Narcotic. Analgesic.

Question 30

Actions

Naloxone HCL (Narcan)

Answer 30

Narcotic antagonist

Question 31

Actions

Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)

Answer 31

Nitrate. Vasodilator

Question 32

Actions

Ondansetron (Zofran)

Answer 32

Potent Anti-emetic

Question 33

Actions

Oxygen

Answer 33

binds with hemoglobin and is used in cellular aerobic respiration

Question 34

Actions

Pralidoxime Chloride (2-Pam Chloride)

Answer 34

• reactivates cholinesterase which has been deactivated by chemical nerve agents and organophosphate poisons.
• relieves paralysis of the respiratory muscles following chemical nerve agent or organophosphate exposure

Question 35

Actions

Prednisone

Answer 35

reduces inflammation

Question 36

Actions

Prochlorperazine (Compazine0

Answer 36

common neuroleptic actions that result in a decrease in nerve stimulation

Question 37

Actions

Racemic Epinephrine

Answer 37

stimulates both alpha and beta receptors reducing edema and producing bronchodilation

Question 38

Actions

Sodium Bicarbonate

Answer 38

• drives serum potassium back into the cell
• enhances urinary excretion of trycyclic acidosis
• neutralizes acidosis

Question 39

Actions

Sodium Chloride 0.9% (Normalsaline)

Answer 39

Fluid and sodium replacement

Question 40

Actions

Tetracaine HCL

Answer 40

blocks the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses

Question 41

Actions

Tranexamic Acid (TXA Cyklokapron)

Answer 41

Inhibits both plasminogen activation and plasmin activity, thus preventing clot break-down rather than promoting new clot formation. With massive bleeding this may help stabilize clot formation and decrease extravascular bleeding. Onset of action withing 4 hours after IV administration. Exact time of onset unclear and variable.