DCAS Pharmacology and Drug Administration 2

Question 1

What is the DCAS protocol for glucose administration in hypoglycemia?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Only provide oral glucose regardless of consciousness

Answer

Wait until arrival at hospital

Answer

Only administer insulin

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

It is the first-line treatment

Answer

It replaces CPR

Answer

It is only used for bradycardia

Question 3

What are the contraindications for morphine administration by DCAS paramedics?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

There are no contraindications

Answer

Only allergy to morphine

Answer

Morphine is never used pre-hospital

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

100mcg single dose

Answer

1mg IM once

Answer

5mg IV single dose

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Only oral administration

Answer

IV at 50mg bolus

Answer

Only rectal administration

Question 6

What drug calculations must DCAS paramedics be competent in performing?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

No calculations are needed

Answer

Only counting tablets

Answer

Only reading pre-filled syringe labels