EMT Medication Overview: Aspirin and Other Essentials

Recommended Action After Inhaling Medication

• After a patient inhales medication, ensure they hold their breath for a few seconds before exhaling slowly.

Potential Side Effect of Naloxone

• A potential side effect of Naloxone is withdrawal symptoms in opioid-dependent individuals.

Why Nitroglycerin Should Not Be Used

• Nitroglycerin should not be used if the patient has a systolic blood pressure below 90 mmHg, or if they are taking medications like erectile dysfunction drugs (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil).

Recommended Dose of Nitroglycerin

• The recommended dose of nitroglycerin is one tablet or spray sublingually every 5 minutes, up to a maximum of three doses.

Why ALS Should Be Ensured to Be En Route

• Ensuring ALS is en route ensures the patient receives advanced medical care, including a more thorough assessment and potential interventions.

Primary Action of Aspirin as an Anti-inflammatory Agent

• Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory agent that inhibits the production of prostaglandins, which are involved in inflammation and pain.

Caution When Administering Aspirin to Patients Taking Anticoagulants

• EMTs should use caution when administering aspirin to patients taking anticoagulants because it can increase the risk of bleeding.

Recommended Dose of Aspirin for Chest Pain of Cardiac Origin

• The recommended dose of aspirin for chest pain of cardiac origin is 160-325 mg.

Primary Indication for Administering Epinephrine (EpiPen)

• The primary indication for administering epinephrine is anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction.

Recommended Dose of Ipratropium for Asthma or Bronchospasm

• The recommended dose of ipratropium for asthma or bronchospasm is two puffs as needed.

Relative Contraindication for Administering Aspirin

• A relative contraindication for administering aspirin is a history of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Medication Contraindicated in Patients with Hypersensitivity

• Medications contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the drug include epinephrine, ipratropium, and naloxone.

Primary Action of Ipratropium

• Ipratropium is a bronchodilator that relaxes smooth muscles in the airways, making it easier to breathe.

Recommended Route of Administration for Epinephrine

• Epinephrine is administered by injection, usually into the thigh.

Side Effect of Aspirin

• A side effect of aspirin is stomach upset or bleeding.

Recommended Dose of Aspirin for Adults

• The recommended dose of aspirin for adults is 325-650 mg.

Interaction of Ipratropium with Other Medications

• Ipratropium has limited interactions with other medications.

Medication Used to Relieve Mild Pain and Headaches

• Aspirin is used to relieve mild pain and headaches.

Primary Action of Naloxone

• Naloxone is a medication that blocks the effects of opioids.

Potential Complication of Opioid Overdose Treatment

• A potential complication of opioid overdose treatment is withdrawal symptoms, which can be intense.

Duration of Action of Naloxone

• The duration of action of Naloxone is typically 30-90 minutes.

Contraindication for the Use of Nitroglycerin

• A contraindication for the use of nitroglycerin is a history of head trauma or recent stroke.

Primary Indication for Administering Naloxone

• The primary indication for administering Naloxone is opioid overdose.

Route of Administration for Naloxone

• The route of administration for Naloxone is intravenous, intranasal, or intramuscular.

Mechanism of Action of Nitroglycerin

• Nitroglycerin works by dilating blood vessels, which reduces the workload on the heart.

Recommended Action During Administration of Medication

• During administration of medication, monitor the patient carefully for any signs or symptoms of a reaction.