AEMCA Pharmacology for Paramedics 3

Question 1

Which route of administration provides the most rapid onset of medication action in a prehospital emergency?

Accepted Answer

Intravenous

Answer

IV administration delivers medication directly into systemic circulation, providing the fastest onset compared to all other routes.

Question 2

A patient on a beta-blocker overdose is in cardiogenic shock. After atropine fails, which medication is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Glucagon IV bolus

Answer

Glucagon bypasses beta receptors and directly stimulates adenylyl cyclase, increasing heart rate and contractility independent of adrenergic pathways.

Question 3

Nitroglycerin is contraindicated within 24-48 hours of which class of medications?

Accepted Answer

PDE-5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil)

Answer

Both nitroglycerin and PDE-5 inhibitors cause vasodilation; concurrent use can produce severe, refractory hypotension.

Question 4

When administering dopamine at 10-20 mcg/kg/min, the predominant clinical effect is:

Accepted Answer

Alpha-adrenergic vasoconstriction

Answer

At high doses (10-20 mcg/kg/min), dopamine predominantly stimulates alpha-1 receptors, causing significant vasoconstriction.

Question 5

A 32-year-old woman in status epilepticus has no IV access. The most appropriate route for midazolam administration is:

Accepted Answer

Intramuscular midazolam

Answer

IM midazolam is the preferred route when IV access is unavailable and has been shown to be as effective as IV lorazepam for status epilepticus.

AEMCA - Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant Practice Test

AEMCA - Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant Practice Test

AEMCA Pharmacology for Paramedics 3