Emergency Prescribing Flashcards
6 cards from real PSA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Emergency Prescribing flashcards as text
What is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis?
Answer: Intramuscular adrenaline (epinephrine) 0.5mg (1:1000) into the anterolateral thigh
IM adrenaline is the first and most important treatment for anaphylaxis, addressing bronchospasm, hypotension, and angioedema. Delay can be fatal.
What is the emergency treatment for hypoglycemia in a conscious patient?
Answer: Fast-acting oral glucose such as glucose tablets, juice, or sugar-containing drinks
Conscious hypoglycemic patients should receive fast-acting oral carbohydrates (15-20g glucose) followed by a longer-acting carbohydrate snack to prevent recurrence.
What is the drug treatment for acute asthma?
Answer: Inhaled salbutamol (short-acting beta-2 agonist) with systemic corticosteroids for moderate-severe attacks
First-line treatment includes inhaled SABA (salbutamol) for bronchodilation plus systemic steroids (prednisolone or hydrocortisone) to reduce airway inflammation.
What is naloxone used for?
Answer: Reversing opioid overdose by blocking opioid receptors
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that rapidly reverses respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension caused by opioid overdose.
What is the antidote for paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose?
Answer: N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which must be given within 8-10 hours for maximum effectiveness
NAC replenishes glutathione, which is depleted by toxic paracetamol metabolites. Early administration prevents potentially fatal liver damage.
When should activated charcoal be considered for poisoning?
Answer: Within 1 hour of ingestion of a potentially toxic dose of certain substances
Activated charcoal is most effective within 1 hour of ingestion, adsorbing many drugs in the GI tract before absorption. It is not effective for all poisons.