NREMT Pharmacology & Medication Administration 2

Question 1

A patient is experiencing an allergic reaction with urticaria (hives) and mild wheezing but has a blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg and is alert. Per protocol, which medication would be MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine 1:1,000 IM

Answer

Anaphylaxis with any systemic symptoms (wheezing) should be treated with epinephrine 1:1,000 IM as the first-line treatment, even if blood pressure is currently maintained. Antihistamines are adjuncts, not primary therapy.

Question 2

A patient with chest pain is prescribed nitroglycerin but states his blood pressure is 'usually low.' The EMT checks the blood pressure and finds it is 88/60 mmHg. What should the EMT do?

Accepted Answer

Withhold nitroglycerin because the blood pressure is below the safe threshold

Answer

Nitroglycerin causes vasodilation and reduces preload. Administering it to a hypotensive patient (systolic BP below 90 mmHg) can cause severe hypotension, cardiovascular collapse, and death. It is absolutely contraindicated.

Question 3

Activated charcoal is indicated for which of the following ingestion scenarios?

Accepted Answer

A patient who ingested acetaminophen (Tylenol) 45 minutes ago and is alert and able to swallow

Answer

Activated charcoal works by adsorbing the toxin in the GI tract. It is most effective when given within 1 hour of ingestion. An alert patient who can protect their airway and ingested a charcoal-responsive substance (like acetaminophen) is the appropriate candidate.

Question 4

A patient uses an albuterol inhaler and requests assistance. What does albuterol do in the body?

Accepted Answer

Dilates bronchioles by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle (beta-2 agonism)

Answer

Albuterol is a selective beta-2 adrenergic agonist that relaxes bronchial smooth muscle, causing bronchodilation. This reverses bronchospasm and reduces airway resistance in asthma and COPD.

Question 5

Which of the following is the correct route and location for epinephrine auto-injector administration?

Accepted Answer

Intramuscular injection into the anterolateral thigh

Answer

Epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens) are designed for intramuscular injection into the anterolateral thigh (outer mid-thigh), which provides the fastest absorption. They can be administered through clothing.

NREMT Practice Test

NREMT Practice Test

NREMT Pharmacology & Medication Administration 2