EMT Chapter 11 Quiz

Asthma and Cardiac Conditions

• In an asthma attack, assist with the prescribed MDI and then reassess the patient's response to medication.
• For crushing chest pain in a cardiac patient, administer nitroglycerin only if systolic BP is above 100 mm Hg after providing supplemental oxygen.

Medication Types and Effects

• Activated charcoal is a type of suspension used in poisoning cases.
• Common trade names for ibuprofen include Advil, Nuprin, and Motrin.
• Drowsiness and dry mouth from diphenhydramine (Benadryl) are common side effects.

Administration Methods

• Peer-assisted administration involves giving medication to oneself or a partner.
• Capsules are medications encased in a gelatin shell, designed for oral intake.
• The dose refers to the specific amount of medication administered.

Pharmacology Essentials

• Absorption is the process where medications travel through tissues into the bloodstream.
• Pharmacology studies drugs and their effects on the body; it includes understanding contradictions and indications.

Specific Medication Insights

• EpiPen delivers epinephrine intramuscularly, crucial for severe allergic reactions.
• A history of cardiovascular disease can be inferred from the use of atorvastatin (Lipitor) and amlodipine (Norvasc).
• Naloxone (Narcan) is indicated for patients with slow respirations due to opioid overdose.

Medication Errors and Approvals

• A rules-based medication error occurs when an EMT administers a drug not approved by a medical director.
• Medical direction approval is essential for EMTs administering drugs to patients.

Patient Populations and Drug Dosing

• Pediatric patients often require modified doses due to size and developmental differences.
• Glucose is a simple sugar easily absorbed by the bloodstream, essential for managing hypoglycemia.

Parenteral versus Enteral Medications

• Parenteral medications are absorbed faster than enteral medications, making them preferable for quick action.
• The therapeutic effect of a medication is referred to as its action, while unintended effects are termed side effects.

Specific Drug Actions and Interactions

• Contraindications are conditions that may render a medication harmful or ineffective.
• Epinephrine counteracts histamine effects in allergic reactions.
• Nitroglycerin alleviates angina pain by dilating arteries, which increases oxygen supply to heart muscles.

Miscellaneous Information

• Oral glucose can be administered by placing it between a patient’s cheek and gum for rapid absorption.
• The form chosen by a manufacturer affects the drug's absorption rate and impact on the body.
• The effective dose of medication does not depend on generic substitutions but rather patient-specific factors.