EMS Pharmacology & Drug Administration 4

Question 1

Atropine sulfate is indicated in symptomatic bradycardia because it:

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Midazolam, intranasal or IM route

Answer

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.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

162–325 mg chewed

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Reactivate acetylcholinesterase before 'aging' occurs

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Cephalosporins

Answer

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

(EMS) Emergency Medical Services Certified Practice Test

(EMS) Emergency Medical Services Certified Practice Test

EMS Pharmacology & Drug Administration 4