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Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of administering nitroglycerine after cardiac arrest?
Which medication is specifically used for reversing opioid overdoses?
What is a key aspect of pharmacokinetics that EMTs need to understand regarding drug safety and efficacy?
Which of the following is a common adverse reaction to medications that EMTs administer?
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What is the main reason for EMTs to adhere to strict medication administration guidelines?
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Which route of administration can be used for epinephrine according to the text?
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Which of the following drug classes is used to treat asthma or COPD exacerbations?
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Which of the following is an example of an emergency medication that might be administered by EMTs?
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Which of the following is a potential adverse reaction to medication administration?
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What is the primary concern regarding the pharmacokinetics of emergency medications administered by EMTs?
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Which of the following drug classes is used to treat nausea and vomiting?
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Which of the following statements is true regarding drug classifications used by EMTs?
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Which of the following is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA) bronchodilator?
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What is the primary function of epinephrine (adrenaline) administration by EMTs?
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Which of the following is a long-acting beta agonist (LABA) bronchodilator?
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Which of the following is a primary use of oral glucose in emergency medical care?
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What is the primary purpose of administering oral glucose by EMTs?
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Which of the following medications is administered by EMTs to improve oxygen delivery?
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What is the primary mechanism of action for oxygen therapy in emergency situations?
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What is the primary use of aspirin administration by EMTs?
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Which of the following is a primary use of aspirin in emergency medical care?
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What is the primary purpose of administering bronchodilators in emergency situations?
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Which of the following medications is used to treat severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis in emergency situations?
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What is a key benefit of administering oxygen therapy in emergency situations?
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Study Notes
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:
- Analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents: Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.
- Cardiac drugs: Aspirin, nitroglycerine, amyl nitrite
- Anticoagulants: Heparin, warfarin
- Resuscitation drugs: Albuterol, aminophylline, epinephrine, lorazepam, naloxone, succinylcholine
- Antiemetics: Dexamethasone, ondansetron
- Antihypertensives: Labetalol, methemoglobin reductase, nifedipine
- Antipyretics: Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen
- Antispasmodics: Dicyclomine, hyoscine, phentolamine
- Antihistamines: Diphenhydramine
- Anticholinergics: Hyoscine, scopolamine
- 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:
- Aspirin and nitroglycerine used to reduce blood pressure immediately after cardiac arrest.
- Albuterol for bronchospasm relief and cardiovascular stimulation.
- Epinephrine given through inhalation, intravenous, or subcutaneous routes to increase heart rate and constrict blood vessels.
- 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:
- Airway management: Administering epinephrine by interruption.
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): Oral, nasal, and nebulizer administration of epinephrine.
- Monitoring patients with ECGs: Evaluate patients with cardiovascular conditions.
- 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:
- Absorption: Knowledge of absorption routes, rates, and factors affecting them.
- Distribution: Understand distribution volumes and patterns.
- Metabolism: Be aware of metabolic pathways and enzyme inhibitors.
- Elimination: Recognize excretory mechanisms and half-life values.
- 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:
- Cardiac side effects: Arrhythmias, hypotension, hypertension.
- Respiratory side effects: Bronchospasm, apnea.
- Hematologic side effects: Hemorrhage, thromboembolism.
- Neurologic side effects: Seizures, syncope.
- 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.
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Description
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.
