Free FP-C Pharmacology Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which medication is typically used as a first-line treatment for anaphylaxis in the pre-hospital setting?
- Diphenhydramine
- Albuterol
- Epinephrine (Correct answer)
- Methylprednisolone
Correct answer: Epinephrine
Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis because it addresses all the life-threatening aspects of the reaction. It acts as a vasoconstrictor to raise blood pressure, a bronchodilator to improve breathing, and reduces swelling, effectively reversing the severe systemic allergic response.
Question 2: What is the mechanism of action for midazolam when used for sedation in trauma patients?
- Antagonizes NMDA receptors
- Potentiates GABA neurotransmission (Correct answer)
- Inhibits acetylcholine release
- Blocks beta-adrenergic receptors
Correct answer: Potentiates GABA neurotransmission
Midazolam is a benzodiazepine that exerts its sedative and anxiolytic effects by potentiating the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. By enhancing GABA's effects, it increases chloride ion influx into neurons, leading to hyperpolarization and reduced neuronal excitability.
Question 3: Which medication is most appropriate for the management of bradycardia in a pre-hospital setting?
- Amiodarone
- Adenosine
- Atropine (Correct answer)
- Dopamine
Correct answer: Atropine
Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that blocks the effects of acetylcholine on the vagus nerve, which normally slows the heart rate. By blocking vagal stimulation, atropine increases the heart rate and improves atrioventricular conduction, making it the primary drug for symptomatic bradycardia in the pre-hospital setting.
Question 4: In which situation is the administration of naloxone indicated?
- Opioid overdose with respiratory depression (Correct answer)
- Hypoglycemia with altered mental status
- Seizures due to benzodiazepine overdose
- Anaphylaxis with airway compromise
Correct answer: Opioid overdose with respiratory depression
Naloxone is a pure opioid antagonist that rapidly reverses the effects of opioid medications by binding to opioid receptors and blocking their activation. Its administration is specifically indicated for opioid overdose, particularly when respiratory depression, a life-threatening complication, is present.
Question 5: What is the preferred route of administration for adenosine when treating a patient with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)?
- Intramuscular
- Subcutaneous
- Intravenous push (IVP) (Correct answer)
- Oral
Correct answer: Intravenous push (IVP)
Adenosine has an extremely short half-life, typically only a few seconds, meaning it is rapidly metabolized in the body. To ensure it reaches the heart in a sufficiently concentrated bolus to effectively interrupt the re-entry pathway causing SVT, it must be administered as a rapid intravenous push, immediately followed by a saline flush.
Free FP-C Pharmacology Questions and Answers
Which medication is typically used as a first-line treatment for anaphylaxis in the pre-hospital setting?