Critical Care Medications and Pharmacology Flashcards

A patient receiving a heparin infusion develops acute HIT (Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia). Which action is the priority?

Answer: Discontinue all heparin and switch to argatroban or bivalirudin

All heparin products must be stopped immediately in confirmed or suspected HIT, and a direct thrombin inhibitor such as argatroban should be started.

Which reversal agent is used for suspected opioid overdose during air medical transport?

Answer: Naloxone

Naloxone competitively antagonizes mu-opioid receptors to reverse respiratory depression, sedation, and analgesia caused by opioids.

What is the correct IV loading dose of amiodarone for a hemodynamically stable patient with ventricular tachycardia?

Answer: 150 mg over 10 minutes

The standard amiodarone loading dose for stable VT is 150 mg IV over 10 minutes, followed by a maintenance infusion.

A diabetic patient transported by air has a blood glucose of 38 mg/dL and is unconscious. There is no IV access. What is the best immediate treatment?

Answer: Glucagon 1 mg IM

When IV access is unavailable and the patient is unconscious, glucagon 1 mg IM stimulates hepatic glycogenolysis to raise blood glucose.

Which medication is the antidote for acetaminophen overdose and should be initiated during long-distance transport?

Answer: N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

N-acetylcysteine replenishes glutathione stores, preventing hepatic damage from the toxic acetaminophen metabolite NAPQI.

Rocuronium is selected instead of succinylcholine for RSI. What reversal agent is available for rocuronium?

Answer: Sugammadex

Sugammadex encapsulates and inactivates rocuronium (and vecuronium), providing rapid reversal of neuromuscular blockade.