Pharmacology & Drug Administration Flashcards

Atropine sulfate is indicated in symptomatic bradycardia because it:

Answer: Blocks parasympathetic (vagal) effects on the heart, increasing heart rate

Atropine is an anticholinergic agent that blocks vagal (parasympathetic) effects on the SA and AV nodes, thereby increasing heart rate.

Which benzodiazepine is MOST commonly used in EMS for active seizures, and what is a common route when IV is unavailable?

Answer: Midazolam, intranasal or IM route

Midazolam is favored in EMS for seizures due to its rapid onset and can be given intranasally (IN) or IM when IV access is unavailable.

When administering aspirin (ASA) to a suspected MI patient, the standard EMS dose is:

Answer: 162–325 mg chewed

The standard EMS dose for suspected MI is 162–325 mg of aspirin chewed (not swallowed whole) for faster buccal absorption.

Pralidoxime (2-PAM) is used alongside atropine in organophosphate poisoning to:

Answer: Reactivate acetylcholinesterase before 'aging' occurs

Pralidoxime reactivates acetylcholinesterase enzyme inhibited by organophosphates if given before irreversible 'aging' of the enzyme-inhibitor bond occurs.

A patient has a known penicillin allergy. Which drug class should be used with CAUTION due to cross-reactivity, though the risk is low?

Answer: Cephalosporins

Cephalosporins share a similar beta-lactam ring structure with penicillin and carry a low but documented cross-reactivity risk.

You are preparing to give 250 mg of a drug from a vial that contains 500 mg/10 mL. How many mL should you draw up?

Answer: 5 mL

Concentration = 500 mg/10 mL = 50 mg/mL; volume = 250 mg ÷ 50 mg/mL = 5 mL.

Which of the following medications is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance?

Answer: Morphine sulfate

Morphine sulfate is a Schedule II controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse and dependence, requiring strict documentation in EMS.