Critical Care Medications and Pharmacology Flashcards

Which vasopressor is considered first-line for septic shock in the flight transport environment?

Answer: Norepinephrine

Norepinephrine is the first-line vasopressor for septic shock due to its potent alpha-adrenergic vasoconstriction with less tachycardia than dopamine.

A flight nurse administers adenosine 6 mg IV push for SVT. The patient does not convert. What is the correct next dose?

Answer: 12 mg

If the initial 6 mg dose of adenosine does not convert SVT, the recommended second dose is 12 mg IV push.

Which medication is used to treat hyperkalemia-induced cardiac arrhythmias as the immediate first step?

Answer: Calcium gluconate or calcium chloride

Calcium (gluconate or chloride) is given first to stabilize the myocardial membrane and reduce the risk of fatal arrhythmia in hyperkalemia.

A patient in the aircraft requires RSI. The flight nurse selects succinylcholine. Which contraindication should be assessed first?

Answer: Recent crush injury or burns

Succinylcholine is contraindicated in crush injuries or burns because depolarization causes dangerous potassium release, which can trigger cardiac arrest.

What is the primary mechanism of action of ketamine when used for induction in the flight setting?

Answer: NMDA receptor antagonism

Ketamine produces dissociative anesthesia by blocking NMDA receptors, while preserving airway reflexes and hemodynamic stability.

Which antidysrhythmic drug is preferred for stable wide-complex tachycardia of uncertain origin during air transport?

Answer: Procainamide

Procainamide is preferred for stable wide-complex tachycardia of uncertain origin because it can treat both ventricular and supraventricular rhythms.