COPR - Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators Examination Pharmacology and Medication Administration Questions and Answers Flashcards

Which of the following describes a contraindication to nitroglycerin administration?

Answer: Recent use of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil)

Nitroglycerin is contraindicated with recent phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor use because the combination can cause severe, life-threatening hypotension.

The term 'half-life' in pharmacokinetics refers to:

Answer: Time required for plasma drug concentration to decrease by 50%

Half-life is the time needed for the plasma concentration of a drug to fall to half its current value, determining dosing intervals.

A diabetic patient is found unconscious with a blood glucose of 38 mg/dL. After establishing IV access, which is the correct treatment?

Answer: Administer dextrose 50% IV (D50W)

D50W (50% dextrose) administered IV rapidly raises blood glucose and is the definitive prehospital treatment for severe hypoglycemia with IV access established.

What is the primary reason paramedics must document medication administration times precisely?

Answer: To track pharmacokinetics and guide re-dosing or antidote timing

Precise timing documentation allows healthcare providers to track drug onset, peak effect, and re-dosing windows, which is critical for patient safety.

Which drug class should be used cautiously in patients with a known sulfa allergy due to possible cross-reactivity?

Answer: Furosemide (loop diuretics)

Furosemide contains a sulfonamide moiety and may cause cross-reactivity in patients with documented sulfa allergies, requiring cautious use.

In the context of medication error prevention, what does the '5 Rights' framework include?

Answer: Right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time

The 5 Rights of medication administration are: right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, and right time — a core safety checklist.