FREE FP-C Pharmacology Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which medication is typically used as a first-line treatment for anaphylaxis in the pre-hospital setting?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Potentiates GABA neurotransmission

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Atropine

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Opioid overdose with respiratory depression

Answer

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)?

Accepted Answer

Intravenous push (IVP)

Answer

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.

FP-C - Flight Paramedic-Certification Practice Test

FP-C - Flight Paramedic-Certification Practice Test

FREE FP-C Pharmacology Questions and Answers