FREE Paramedics Pharmacology & Medications Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 62-year-old male with a history of congestive heart failure (CHF) and atrial fibrillation presents with sudden onset of severe dyspnea, orthopnea, and frothy pink sputum.
His blood pressure is 180/100 mmHg, heart rate 110 bpm, and SpO2 88% on room air.
Auscultation reveals diffuse crackles in all lung fields.
Which of the following medications is most appropriate as an initial intervention to reduce preload and afterload?

Accepted Answer

Nitroglycerin

Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Atropine

Answer

Furosemide

Question 2

Which of the following describes the primary mechanism of action of benzodiazepines when used for sedation or seizure control?

Accepted Answer

Enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

Answer

Blocking dopamine receptors in the brain

Answer

Inhibiting reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine

Answer

Activating alpha-adrenergic receptors

Question 3

A paramedic is preparing to administer intravenous dextrose 10% (D10) to an alert but hypoglycemic patient. What is the primary concern regarding extravasation of D10 compared to D5W (dextrose 5% in water)?

Accepted Answer

D10 has a higher osmolarity and can cause more tissue damage.

Answer

D10 is more likely to cause an allergic reaction.

Answer

D10 has a faster onset of action, leading to rebound hypoglycemia.

Answer

D10 is incompatible with most other IV medications.

Question 4

A patient is prescribed a beta-blocker for hypertension. Which of the following is a common side effect paramedics should be aware of, especially in patients with respiratory conditions?

Accepted Answer

Bronchoconstriction

Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Hypertensive crisis

Answer

Hyperglycemia

Question 5

A 40-year-old male with a history of opioid addiction is found unresponsive with pinpoint pupils and slow, shallow respirations (respiratory rate of 6 breaths/minute). What is the most appropriate initial pharmacological intervention?

Accepted Answer

Administer naloxone

Answer

Administer activated charcoal

Answer

Administer flumazenil

Answer

Administer sodium bicarbonate

Question 6

Which of the following classes of medications is primarily used to prevent clot formation by inhibiting platelet aggregation?

Accepted Answer

Antiplatelets

Answer

Thrombolytics

Answer

Anticoagulants

Answer

Vasodilators