Pharmacology and Drug Administration Flashcards

What is the DCAS protocol for glucose administration in hypoglycemia?

Answer: Give oral glucose if conscious, or IV dextrose 10% if unable to swallow, or IM glucagon if no IV access

DCAS hypoglycemia management varies by consciousness: oral glucose for conscious patients, IV dextrose 10% for unconscious patients with IV access, or IM glucagon when IV access is not available.

What is the role of amiodarone in DCAS cardiac arrest protocols?

Answer: It is administered after the third defibrillation shock for shockable rhythms (VF/pVT) at 300mg IV bolus

Amiodarone 300mg IV is administered after the third unsuccessful defibrillation attempt for VF/pVT, followed by a further 150mg after the fifth shock if needed, to help stabilize the cardiac rhythm.

What are the contraindications for morphine administration by DCAS paramedics?

Answer: Respiratory depression, hypotension, head injury with altered consciousness, known allergy, and MAOI use

Morphine contraindications include respiratory depression (rate <10/min), significant hypotension, head injury with altered consciousness (masks neurological signs), known allergy, and concurrent MAOI medication use.

What is the correct dose of atropine for symptomatic bradycardia in DCAS protocols?

Answer: 500mcg IV, repeated every 3-5 minutes to maximum 3mg

Atropine is given at 500mcg IV for symptomatic bradycardia, which can be repeated every 3-5 minutes up to a maximum total dose of 3mg (6 doses) to increase heart rate.

What is the DCAS protocol for midazolam administration for seizure management?

Answer: IM or buccal midazolam at weight-appropriate doses for prolonged or repeated seizures unresponsive to initial management

DCAS protocols allow IM or buccal midazolam for status epilepticus or prolonged seizures, at appropriate doses (typically 10mg IM for adults), when seizures are not self-terminating.

What drug calculations must DCAS paramedics be competent in performing?

Answer: Weight-based dosing, concentration calculations, infusion rate calculations, and drug dilution calculations

DCAS paramedics must competently perform weight-based dose calculations (mg/kg), drug concentration calculations, IV infusion rate calculations (ml/hr or drops/min), and dilution calculations for safe medication administration.