Emergency Medical Technician Pharmacology Quiz

Emergency Medical Technician Pharmacology

As an essential part of their duties, EMTs must have knowledge of various drugs, their classifications, indications, dosages, side effects, interactions, and storage requirements. In this article, we'll explore the pharmacological aspects of EMT work, including drug classifications, emergency medications, medication administration, pharmacokinetics, and adverse reactions.

Drug Classification

Drugs used by EMTs can be classified into several categories based on their therapeutic effects, mechanism of action, or physiologic processes they affect. These classes include:

1. Analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents: Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.
2. Cardiac drugs: Aspirin, nitroglycerine, amyl nitrite
3. Anticoagulants: Heparin, warfarin
4. Resuscitation drugs: Albuterol, aminophylline, epinephrine, lorazepam, naloxone, succinylcholine
5. Antiemetics: Dexamethasone, ondansetron
6. Antihypertensives: Labetalol, methemoglobin reductase, nifedipine
7. Antipyretics: Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen
8. Antispasmodics: Dicyclomine, hyoscine, phentolamine
9. Antihistamines: Diphenhydramine
10. Anticholinergics: Hyoscine, scopolamine
11. Cardiac arrest drugs: Amiodarone, lidocaine

Emergency Medications

EMTs are trained to administer medications during emergencies that help stabilize life-threatening conditions or provide comfort for the patient while being transported to the hospital. Some of these emergency medications include:

1. Aspirin and nitroglycerine used to reduce blood pressure immediately after cardiac arrest.
2. Albuterol for bronchospasm relief and cardiovascular stimulation.
3. Epinephrine given through inhalation, intravenous, or subcutaneous routes to increase heart rate and constrict blood vessels.
4. Naloxone for reversing opioid overdoses.

Medication Administration

EMTs must adhere to strict guidelines when administering medications. They should follow proper protocols and maintain records of all medication administrations. These may include:

1. Airway management: Administering epinephrine by interruption.
2. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): Oral, nasal, and nebulizer administration of epinephrine.
3. Monitoring patients with ECGs: Evaluate patients with cardiovascular conditions.
4. Administer oxygen therapy: Use equipment that operates under normal atmospheric pressure.

Pharmacokinetics

Understanding pharmacokinetics is crucial for EMTs to determine drug safety, toxicity, and efficacy. Some key aspects include:

1. Absorption: Knowledge of absorption routes, rates, and factors affecting them.
2. Distribution: Understand distribution volumes and patterns.
3. Metabolism: Be aware of metabolic pathways and enzyme inhibitors.
4. Elimination: Recognize excretory mechanisms and half-life values.
5. Drug interactions: Identify potential drug-drug interactions.

Adverse Reactions

EMTs should be knowledgeable about potential adverse reactions to medications they administer. These reactions may vary depending on the medication, patient condition, and individual susceptibility. Common adverse reactions include:

1. Cardiac side effects: Arrhythmias, hypotension, hypertension.
2. Respiratory side effects: Bronchospasm, apnea.
3. Hematologic side effects: Hemorrhage, thromboembolism.
4. Neurologic side effects: Seizures, syncope.
5. Gastrointestinal side effects: Nausea, vomiting.

Limitations

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the various topics related to emergency medical technician pharmacology. However, it is essential to note that there may be regional variations in medication availability, administration protocols, and guidelines. Therefore, EMTs should always consult their local protocols and guidelines when faced with emergencies and consider obtaining specialized training in pharmacology if needed.

Test your knowledge on drug classifications, emergency medications, medication administration protocols, pharmacokinetics, and adverse reactions relevant to Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). Explore topics like analgesics, cardiac drugs, resuscitation drugs, and more in this quiz.