12 Questions
What is the main purpose of emergency drugs?
To meet immediate therapeutic needs of patients
How quickly can brain death occur without oxygen (O2)?
Within 6 minutes
What is the normal range for oxygen saturation level in most people?
95% - 100%
In which condition should oxygen be given according to the text?
All patients having an acute stroke
How does Nitroglycerin work in the body?
By causing the release of NO from endothelial cells
What is the primary use of Nitroglycerin in the emergency department?
To manage chest pain due to acute coronary syndromes
What is the main use of Morphine Sulphate mentioned in the text?
Relief of severe chest pain associated with acute coronary syndrome
Which adverse effect is commonly associated with Atropine Sulphate according to the text?
Respiratory depression
What is the main effect of Epinephrine (adrenaline) on the heart according to the text?
Increasing heart rate and myocardial contractility
In what situation is Amiodarone commonly used as per the text?
Control of ventricular arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation
Which statement best describes the role of Epinephrine in CPR as per the text?
It has a more pronounced treatment effect when given early in the resuscitation attempt
What is the primary benefit of using IM injection of Epinephrine for anaphylaxis based on the text?
It consistently provides a more rapid increase in plasma and tissue concentrations
Study Notes
Emergency Medicine
- Concerned with the care of illnesses or injuries requiring immediate medical attention
Oxygen Therapy
- Brain death can occur within 6 minutes without oxygen
- Pulse oximeter is used to measure oxygen saturation
- Normal pulse oximeter reading for oxygen saturation level is between 95% and 100%
- Indications for oxygen therapy:
- All breathless patients
- Patients with acute MI and oxygen saturation of 90% or lower
- All patients with acute stroke, regardless of oxygen saturation
- Shock
- Cardiac arrest
- Traumatic injury with decreased oxygen saturation
Nitroglycerin
- Fast-acting vasodilator that works by releasing NO from endothelial cells
- Relaxes smooth muscle of blood vessels, increasing blood and oxygen supply to the heart
- Reduces chest pain
- Indications:
- Angina in the emergency department
- Acute coronary syndromes
- Acute heart failure
- Pulmonary edema
- Aortic dissection
- Administration: Sublingual or IV infusion
- Side effects:
- Headache
- Facial flushing
- Dizziness
- Excessive sweating
- Tolerance
Morphine Sulphate
- Narcotic analgesic that acts centrally
- Used to relieve severe chest pain associated with acute coronary syndromes (MI) and acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema
- Adverse effects:
- Respiratory depression
- Hypotension
- Nausea
- Constipation
Atropine Sulphate
- Used to manage bradycardia, asystole, and AV block
- Increases heart rate and improves atrioventricular conduction by blocking parasympathetic influences on the heart
Epinephrine (Adrenaline)
- Sympathomimetic drug with non-selective alpha- and beta-adrenergic effects
- Alpha-adrenergic effects:
- Increase coronary and cerebral perfusion through vasoconstriction
- Beta-adrenergic effects:
- Increase heart rate and myocardial contractility
- Increase renin release
- Produce bronchodilation and vasodilation
- Uses:
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Anaphylaxis
- Relief of respiratory distress due to bronchospasm
- Relief of hypersensitivity reactions
- Prolonging the action of infiltration anesthetics
- Severe cases of croup
- Dosing:
- 1mg IV every 3-5 minutes for CPR
- IV infusion for bradycardia
- IM injection for anaphylaxis
Antiarrhythmic Drugs
Amiodarone
- Potent class III antiarrhythmic agent
- Used to treat ventricular arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation
- Prolongs the QT interval
- Slows heart rate and atrioventricular nodal conduction
- Slows intracardiac conduction
- Indications:
- Atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response
Test your knowledge on the drugs used in emergency medicine, which are crucial for providing immediate medical care to patients. Learn about the importance of oxygen and its use in emergencies. Understand the significance of pulse oximetry in measuring oxygen saturation levels.
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