Pharmacology

Question 1

What is pharmacokinetics?

Answer 1

Pharmacokinetics is the study of how drugs enter the body, and are metabolized and eliminated.

Question 2

What is pharmacodynamics?

Answer 2

Pharmacodynamics is the study of a drug’s effects on the body.

Question 3

Components of the drug profile should include the following:

Answer 3

• Trade name: a brand name for a drug that has typically been trademarked by the manufacturer. For example, Nitro-Bid.
• Generic name: a name that is not trademarked and can be used by any manufacturer. For example, nitroglycerin.
• Class: identifies what “family” of medications the drug belongs to. For example, anti-anginal, vasodilator.
• Mechanism of action: describes how the drug does what it does or its intended effects. For example, dilates blood vessels, increases myocardial oxygen supply.
• Indications: situations in which the drug should be considered for administration. For example, chest pain.
• Contraindications: situations in which the drug should not be given. For example, hypotension.
• Dose: the amount of drug that should be given. For example, 0.4 mg.
• Route of administration: how the drug should be administered. For example, sublingual tablet or spray.
• Side effects: any effects the drug may have othere than those that are desired. For example, hypotension, headache.
• Supply: the form in which the drug is supplied to the provider. For example, nitroglycerin is supplied as tablets or spray, 0.4 mg per each tablet or spray.
• Special considerations: any information unique to the drug that providers should be aware of. For example, nitroglycerin is heat and light sensitive and should be stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

Question 4

Drugs stimulare or inhibit something the body is capable of doing.

Define agonists.

Answer 4

Agonists refers to medications that stimulate an effect. For example, an asthatic using an inhaler to increase bronchodilation.

Question 5

Drugs stimulare or inhibit something the body is capable of doing.

Define antagonists.

Answer 5

Antagonists refers to medications that inhibit an effect. For example, taking aspirin to reduce pain.

Question 6

How do enteral medications enter the body?

Answer 6

Enteral medications enter the body throguh the digestive system. For example, oral medications.

Question 7

How do parenteral medications enter the body?

Answer 7

Parenteral medications enter the body through any means other than enteral. For example, intramuscular and intravenous medications.

Question 8

What is an enteral route used by EMTs?

Answer 8

An enteral route used by EMTs is oral.

Question 9

What are parenteral routes used by EMTs?

Answer 9

Parenteral routes used by EMTs are intramuscular, inhalation, intranasal, and sublingual.

Question 10

List each route of administration used by EMTs and their abbreviation.

Answer 10

• Oral (PO): aspirin, activated charcoal, and oral glucose are given orally.
• Intramuscular (IM): EpiPen is given via intramuscular injection.
• Inhalation: oxygen, metered-dose inhaler medications, and small-volume nebulizer medications are administered through inhalation.
• Intranasal (IN): naloxone is given intranasal.
• Sublingual (SL): nitroglycerin is given sublingually.

Question 11

What are the “Six Rights” of drug administration?

Answer 11

1. Patient
2. Drug
3. Route
4. Dose
5. Time
6. Documentation

Question 12

Consult local protocol.

What medications are typically carried by an EMT?

Answer 12

1. Oxygen
2. Oral glucose
3. Aspirin
4. Activated charcoal
5. Epinephrine auto-injector pen
6. Naloxone

Question 13

The following medications are not carried by the EMT.

What medications may an EMT assist with?

Answer 13

1. MDI or SVN drugs for respiratory problems
2. Nitroglycerin