OEC Pharmacology & Patient-Assisted Medications

Question 1

Where on the body is an epinephrine auto-injector administered for anaphylaxis?

Accepted Answer

Outer middle thigh (lateral thigh)

Answer

Epinephrine auto-injectors are given into the muscle of the anterolateral mid-thigh, which gives reliable absorption. It can be injected through clothing.

Question 2

Which patient with chest pain should NOT be given aspirin?

Accepted Answer

A patient with a known aspirin allergy

Answer

A known allergy to aspirin is a contraindication. Aspirin is otherwise given for suspected cardiac chest pain because it inhibits platelet aggregation.

Question 3

Before assisting with a patient's own nitroglycerin, which check is essential?

Accepted Answer

Systolic blood pressure is above the protocol minimum (about 100 mmHg)

Answer

Nitroglycerin dilates vessels and lowers blood pressure, so it should be withheld if systolic pressure is below about 100 mmHg or under local protocol.

Question 4

Oral glucose may be given to a diabetic patient only if the patient is:

Accepted Answer

Conscious and able to swallow

Answer

Oral glucose is given only to patients who are alert and can swallow on their own, because otherwise they risk aspiration.

Question 5

A patient with asthma is wheezing and has a prescribed albuterol inhaler. What is the drug's main action?

Accepted Answer

Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle to open the airways

Answer

Albuterol is a bronchodilator that relaxes the smooth muscle around the bronchioles, which eases wheezing and shortness of breath.

(OEC) Outdoor Emergency Care Certification Practice Test

(OEC) Outdoor Emergency Care Certification Practice Test

OEC Pharmacology & Patient-Assisted Medications