Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD)
Paramedic Protocol | Paramedic Protocols,
Emergency Medical Services, Prehospital
Care | Open-Ended Q&A with Rationales
Exam Structure:
Subject: Paramedic Protocols / Emergency Medical Services / SNHD
Source: Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) Paramedic Protocol
Format: Open-ended questions with Correct Answers and rationales
1. What are the protocols, action, adult/pediatric doses, and
contraindications for Adenosine?
Correct Answer: Protocols: Tachycardia (Stable/Unstable). Action: Slows
conduction through AV node; can interrupt re-entry pathways. Adult: 6mg
or 12mg RIVP (Stable SVT: 6mg, 12mg; Unstable SVT: 12mg). Pediatric: 0.1-
0.2 mg/kg RIVP never to exceed 12mg (Stable SVT: 0.1mg/kg not to exceed
6mg; 0.2mg/kg not to exceed 12mg; Unstable SVT: 0.2mg/kg not to exceed
12mg). Contraindications: 2nd or 3rd-degree AV Block or SSS; A-Flutter; A-
Fib.
Rationale:
1. Adenosine is a first-line medication for terminating SVT by temporarily
blocking AV nodal conduction.
2. Rapid IV push (RIVP) followed by saline flush ensures the drug reaches the
heart before being metabolized.
3. Higher doses (12mg) are used for unstable SVT or when 6mg fails.
4. Contraindications include heart block and sick sinus syndrome because
adenosine further depresses AV conduction.
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2. What are the protocols and doses for Albuterol (adult and
pediatric)?
Correct Answer: Protocols: Allergic Reaction, Hyperkalemia, Respiratory
Distress. Adult: 2.5mg/3mL via SVN; as needed/continuous/until
improvement. Pediatric: Exact Same.
Rationale:
1. Albuterol is a beta-2 agonist that bronchodilates and treats anaphylaxis,
asthma, and hyperkalemia.
2. Small volume nebulizer (SVN) delivers the medication directly to the lungs.
3. Continuous administration may be needed for severe bronchospasm.
4. Pediatric dose is identical to adult dose for respiratory distress.
3. What are the protocols, action, doses, and contraindications for
Amiodarone?
Correct Answer: Protocols: Cardiac Arrest, Tachycardia (Stable/Unstable).
Action: Antiarrhythmic. Adult: (Cardiac Arrest) 300mg initial; 150mg after
5th shock; (Stable/Unstable - Wide Tachycardia) 150mg in 50cc NS over 10
minutes. Pediatric: (Cardiac Arrest) 5mg/kg; may repeat once after 5th
shock; (Stable/Unstable - Wide Tachycardia) 5mg/kg in 50cc NS over 20
minutes. Contraindications: Cardiogenic shock, High-Grade AV Block.
Rationale:
1. Amiodarone is a class III antiarrhythmic that prolongs the action potential
and refractory period.
2. For cardiac arrest, the first dose is 300mg; second dose (150mg) is given
after the 5th shock if VF/pulseless VT persists.
3. Wide complex tachycardia is infused slowly over 10-20 minutes to avoid
hypotension.
4. Contraindications include cardiogenic shock and high-grade AV block
because amiodarone can worsen hypotension or block.
4. What are the protocols, class, action, and doses for Atropine?
Correct Answer: Protocols: Bradycardia, Organophosphate Toxicity. Class:
Parasympathetic Blocker. Action: Cholinergic Blocking Agent; Increases rate
of SA node discharge; Increases conduction through AV node. Adult:
(Bradycardia) 0.5mg IVP; q 3-5 minutes; Max dose 3mg; (Organophosphate
Toxicity) 2.0mg IV; q 15 minutes as needed. Pediatric: (Bradycardia)