EMT Chapter 11: Principles of Pharmacology

Which of the following is an example of a generic drug?

Which of the following medication routes would be the MOST appropriate to use in an unresponsive patient when intravenous access cannot be obtained?

How is nitroglycerin usually given by the EMT?

Which of the following medication routes delivers a drug through the skin over an extended period of time, such as a nitroglycerin or nicotine patch?

A mucosal atomizer device (MAD) is used to deliver certain medications via the:

What medication form does oral glucose come in?

An EMT may administer aspirin to a patient if:

You should do what if a 74-year-old woman with chest heaviness has already taken two nitroglycerin tablets?

The medical term for an extremely low blood glucose level is:

Aspirin is beneficial to patients suspected of having a heart attack because it:

Nitroglycerin, when given to patients with cardiac-related chest pain:

What should you do if a 65-year-old female complains of dizziness and experiences a drop of 30 mm Hg in her systolic blood pressure after taking nitroglycerin?

What should you do for a patient who is allergic to hornets and has her own epinephrine auto-injector but could not contact medical control?

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of epinephrine?

Pharmacology Basics

Generic Drug Example: Aspirin is a well-known generic drug used for pain relief and antiplatelet effects.
Medication Routes for Unresponsive Patients: Intraosseous access is preferred when intravenous access is not feasible.

Nitroglycerin Administration

Common Administration Method: Nitroglycerin is usually given sublingually for rapid absorption in acute situations.
Long-Lasting Administration: Transcutaneous delivery (e.g., patches) allows for extended medication release.

Mucosal Atomizer Device (MAD)

Delivery Method: MAD is designed for administering medications via the intranasal route.

Oral Glucose Formulation

Available Form: Oral glucose is typically provided as a gel for easy administration.

Aspirin Use Protocol

Authorization Required: EMTs can administer aspirin to patients only with prior medical control approval.

Chest Pain Assessment

Geriatric Patients: Adjustment in nitroglycerin dosing may be necessary for older adults due to altered drug metabolism.
Signs of Low Blood Glucose: The medical term for extremely low blood glucose is hypoglycemia.

Aspirin Benefits in Cardiac Events

Mechanism of Action: Aspirin helps prevent the aggregation of platelets, reducing the risk of clot formation during a heart attack.

Nitroglycerin Effects

Cardiac Response: Nitroglycerin causes relaxation of coronary artery walls, improving blood flow to the heart.

Management of Dizziness Post-Nitroglycerin

Patient Positioning: If a patient experiences significant hypotension after nitroglycerin administration, positioning them supine is crucial for stabilization.

Allergy and Epinephrine Use

Treatment for Allergic Reaction: If unable to contact medical control, closely monitor the patient and transport promptly following the use of the epinephrine auto-injector.

Characteristics of Epinephrine

Physiological Effects: Epinephrine dilates lung passages, constricts blood vessels, and increases heart rate and blood pressure, contrary to the incorrect statement about decreasing heart rate.

Epinephrine Auto-Injector

Reference Information: The specific details about the adult auto-injector dosage and use are critical for effective treatment during severe allergic reactions.

Test your knowledge on the principles of pharmacology relevant to EMT practices with this quiz. Covering essential topics such as generic drugs and medication routes, it challenges your understanding of critical concepts. Perfect for EMT students preparing for exams.