AEMCA Pharmacology for Paramedics 4

Question 1

A patient is given epinephrine 1:10,000 IV for cardiac arrest. What concentration is this in mg/mL?

Accepted Answer

0.1 mg/mL

Answer

1:10,000 means 1 gram per 10,000 mL, which equals 0.1 mg/mL — the standard IV cardiac arrest concentration.

Question 2

Which medication used in rapid sequence intubation causes increased intracranial pressure as a side effect?

Accepted Answer

Ketamine

Answer

Ketamine was historically avoided in head injury due to concern for ICP elevation, though this is now debated; it remains a consideration in RSI planning.

Question 3

The antidote for heparin overdose causing severe hemorrhage is:

Accepted Answer

Protamine sulfate

Answer

Protamine sulfate binds and neutralizes heparin on a 1:1 basis, reversing its anticoagulant effect within minutes.

Question 4

A patient with anaphylaxis receives epinephrine 0.3 mg IM but shows no improvement after 5 minutes. The correct next step is:

Accepted Answer

Give a second dose of epinephrine 0.3 mg IM

Answer

Epinephrine can be repeated every 5-15 minutes; it remains the first-line treatment and should be re-dosed before considering adjunct therapies.

Question 5

Calcium chloride is administered in the prehospital setting for all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Hypermagnesemia-induced cardiac arrest

Answer

Calcium chloride is used for hyper-K, CCB overdose, and hypocalcemia; hypermagnesemia is not a primary prehospital indication for calcium in standard protocols.

AEMCA - Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant Practice Test

AEMCA - Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant Practice Test

AEMCA Pharmacology for Paramedics 4