DCAS Pharmacology and Drug Administration — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct dose and route of adrenaline for adult anaphylaxis according to DCAS protocols?
- 1mg intravenously
- 0.5mg (500mcg) intramuscularly into the anterolateral thigh (Correct answer)
- 0.1mg subcutaneously
- 2mg orally
Correct answer: 0.5mg (500mcg) intramuscularly into the anterolateral thigh
DCAS protocols specify adrenaline 0.5mg (500mcg) administered intramuscularly into the anterolateral thigh for adult anaphylaxis, as IM provides rapid and reliable absorption.
Question 2: What is the mechanism of action of salbutamol (Ventolin) used by DCAS paramedics?
- It reduces inflammation
- It relaxes bronchial smooth muscle through beta-2 adrenergic receptor stimulation, causing bronchodilation (Correct answer)
- It thins mucus secretions
- It suppresses the immune response
Correct answer: It relaxes bronchial smooth muscle through beta-2 adrenergic receptor stimulation, causing bronchodilation
Salbutamol is a selective beta-2 adrenergic agonist that relaxes bronchial smooth muscle, producing bronchodilation and relieving bronchoconstriction in conditions like asthma and COPD.
Question 3: What are the '5 Rights' of medication administration that DCAS paramedics must follow?
- Right color, right shape, right size, right label, right expiry
- Right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time (Correct answer)
- Right ambulance, right crew, right hospital, right speed, right siren
- Right form, right container, right seal, right batch, right supplier
Correct answer: Right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time
The 5 Rights ensure medication safety: right patient (verify identity), right drug (check medication), right dose (verify amount), right route (correct administration method), and right time (appropriate timing).
Question 4: What is the DCAS protocol for administering naloxone in suspected opioid overdose?
- Administer only orally
- Administer 400mcg IV/IM/IN, titrate to restore adequate respirations without full reversal (Correct answer)
- Administer 10mg intravenously
- Wait for hospital blood test confirmation
Correct answer: Administer 400mcg IV/IM/IN, titrate to restore adequate respirations without full reversal
DCAS protocols recommend naloxone 400mcg administered IV, IM, or intranasally, titrated to restore adequate respiratory function. Full reversal is avoided to prevent acute withdrawal symptoms.
Question 5: What is the indication and dosing of aspirin in DCAS chest pain protocols?
- 300mg for headache only
- 300mg chewed for suspected acute coronary syndrome to inhibit platelet aggregation (Correct answer)
- 100mg swallowed for general pain
- 500mg intravenously for cardiac arrest
Correct answer: 300mg chewed for suspected acute coronary syndrome to inhibit platelet aggregation
Aspirin 300mg chewed (for rapid absorption) is administered for suspected ACS to inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce thrombus formation, unless the patient is allergic or actively bleeding.
Question 6: What precautions must DCAS paramedics take when administering glyceryl trinitrate (GTN)?
- No precautions are needed
- Check systolic BP is above 90mmHg, ask about phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor use within 48 hours, and monitor for hypotension (Correct answer)
- Only check pulse rate
- Administer regardless of blood pressure
Correct answer: Check systolic BP is above 90mmHg, ask about phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor use within 48 hours, and monitor for hypotension
GTN must not be given if systolic BP is below 90mmHg or if the patient has used PDE-5 inhibitors (sildenafil/tadalafil) recently, as the combination can cause dangerous hypotension.
DCAS Pharmacology and Drug Administration
What is the correct dose and route of adrenaline for adult anaphylaxis according to DCAS protocols?