DCAS Pharmacology and Drug Administration

Question 1

What is the correct dose and route of adrenaline for adult anaphylaxis according to DCAS protocols?

Accepted Answer

0.5mg (500mcg) intramuscularly into the anterolateral thigh

Answer

1mg intravenously

Answer

0.1mg subcutaneously

Answer

2mg orally

Question 2

What is the mechanism of action of salbutamol (Ventolin) used by DCAS paramedics?

Accepted Answer

It relaxes bronchial smooth muscle through beta-2 adrenergic receptor stimulation, causing bronchodilation

Answer

It reduces inflammation

Answer

It thins mucus secretions

Answer

It suppresses the immune response

Question 3

What are the '5 Rights' of medication administration that DCAS paramedics must follow?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Right color, right shape, right size, right label, right expiry

Answer

Right ambulance, right crew, right hospital, right speed, right siren

Answer

Right form, right container, right seal, right batch, right supplier

Question 4

What is the DCAS protocol for administering naloxone in suspected opioid overdose?

Accepted Answer

Administer 400mcg IV/IM/IN, titrate to restore adequate respirations without full reversal

Answer

Administer only orally

Answer

Administer 10mg intravenously

Answer

Wait for hospital blood test confirmation

Question 5

What is the indication and dosing of aspirin in DCAS chest pain protocols?

Accepted Answer

300mg chewed for suspected acute coronary syndrome to inhibit platelet aggregation

Answer

300mg for headache only

Answer

100mg swallowed for general pain

Answer

500mg intravenously for cardiac arrest

Question 6

What precautions must DCAS paramedics take when administering glyceryl trinitrate (GTN)?

Accepted Answer

Check systolic BP is above 90mmHg, ask about phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor use within 48 hours, and monitor for hypotension

Answer

No precautions are needed

Answer

Only check pulse rate

Answer

Administer regardless of blood pressure