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Questions and Answers
What is the typical onset time for oral administration of diazepam in comparison to IV administration?
What is the typical onset time for oral administration of diazepam in comparison to IV administration?
Which factor does not influence the duration of action of diazepam?
Which factor does not influence the duration of action of diazepam?
What aspect should be monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of diazepam administration?
What aspect should be monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of diazepam administration?
How does the route of administration affect the onset of diazepam's action?
How does the route of administration affect the onset of diazepam's action?
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What is a key factor affecting the duration of action of diazepam?
What is a key factor affecting the duration of action of diazepam?
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What is the typical duration of action for epinephrine when administered intramuscularly?
What is the typical duration of action for epinephrine when administered intramuscularly?
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Which drug demonstrates a rapid onset and requires re-dosing for continued effects in cases of overdose?
Which drug demonstrates a rapid onset and requires re-dosing for continued effects in cases of overdose?
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Which of the following statements about atropine's onset of action is accurate?
Which of the following statements about atropine's onset of action is accurate?
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What is the mechanism of action of albuterol?
What is the mechanism of action of albuterol?
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When administered intramuscularly, what is the expected duration of action for atropine?
When administered intramuscularly, what is the expected duration of action for atropine?
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Which drug requires a faster route of administration to achieve the quickest onset of action?
Which drug requires a faster route of administration to achieve the quickest onset of action?
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What can affect the actual onset and duration of paramedic drugs?
What can affect the actual onset and duration of paramedic drugs?
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Which drug is known for having a variable duration, often lasting several hours?
Which drug is known for having a variable duration, often lasting several hours?
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Study Notes
Paramedic Drugs - Onset and Duration
- Paramedic drug administration relies heavily on understanding the rapid onset and duration of action for each medication.
- Different drug classes exhibit varying pharmacodynamic properties.
- Factors like route of administration, patient factors (e.g., absorption rate, metabolism) can affect the actual onset and duration.
- Fast-acting drugs like epinephrine (adrenaline) are crucial for immediate life-threatening situations.
- Drugs with a longer duration of action are useful for managing conditions that require sustained effects.
- Onset and duration are critical for effective treatment and should be considered alongside patient presentation.
- Rapid onset drugs are often used in emergencies.
Epinephrine (Adrenaline)
- Mechanism of Action: Mimics sympathetic nervous system stimulation, affecting the heart, blood vessels, and bronchioles.
- Onset: Typically rapid following IM administration; intravascular administration has instantaneous onset.
- Duration: Short-acting (a few minutes), requiring repeat administration if needed.
Atropine
- Mechanism of Action: Blocks the parasympathetic nervous system, increasing heart rate and decreasing secretions.
- Onset: Relatively rapid, often seen within minutes of injection in an IM route.
- Duration: Ranges from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the dose.
Naloxone
- Mechanism of Action: Reverses opioid-induced respiratory depression.
- Onset: Rapid; intravenous administration results in rapid onset; IM/Subcutaneous route is slower.
- Duration: Relatively short, often requiring re-dosing in cases of continued opioid overdose.
Albuterol (and other bronchodilators)
- Mechanism of Action: Relaxes bronchial smooth muscles, increasing airflow.
- Onset: Varies depending on the route of administration. Inhalers have a quicker onset compared to intravenous or intramuscular.
- Duration: Variable, often lasting for several hours in some medications, allowing for more prolonged relief of asthma or similar conditions.
Glucose (for hypoglycemia)
- Mechanism of Action: Raises blood glucose levels.
- Onset: IV glucose administration results in rapid glucose levels in the bloodstream; oral administration has a slower onset.
- Duration: IV route has a faster effect; oral administration is slower but more sustained.
Diazepam (and other benzos)
- Mechanism of Action: Reduces anxiety, induces sedation and can help with seizures.
- Onset: Variable; IV administration has fast onset; oral is delayed but can still be successful.
- Duration: Variable, depending on the specific drug and dose; some benzodiazepines can last for hours or even days.
Other Considerations
- Patient factors heavily influence drug effectiveness; consider age, weight, pre-existing medical conditions, and other medications taken.
- Drug interactions can impact both onset and duration of action.
- Monitoring vital signs during medication administration is crucial to assess effectiveness, adverse effects, and needed adjustments.
- Drug storage conditions and preparation technique affect the integrity of medications.
- Appropriate documentation of administered drugs, results, and patient response is critical.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the onset and duration of paramedic drugs, emphasizing their pharmacodynamic properties and factors affecting their effectiveness. Understanding these aspects is crucial for the administration of life-saving medications like epinephrine in emergency situations. Explore the implications of rapid and prolonged onset in patient care.
