Paramedic Pharmacology Questions and Answers Already Passed

Paramedic Pharmacology Questions and Answers Already Passed Activated Charcoal CLASS: adsorbent ACTIONS: adsorbs toxins by chemical binding and prevents GI absorption INDICATIONS: poisoning following emesis or when emesis is contraindicated CONTRAINDICATIONS: none in severe poisoning PRECAUTIONS: should only be administered following emesis in which it is so indicated, use with caution in patients with altered mental status, may absorb ipecac; if ipecac is administered, wait at least 10 mins to administer activated charcoal SIDE EFFECTS: nausea/vomiting ROUTE: PO ADULT DOSAGE: 1 g/kg (typically 50-75 g)mixed with a glass of water to form a slurry PEDIATRIC DOSAGE: 1 g/kg mixed with a glass of water to form a slurry Adenosine (Adenocard) CLASS: antidysrhythmic ACTIONS: slows atrioventricular conduction INDICATIONS: symptomatic PSVT CONTRAINDICATIONS: second or third degree heart block, sick sinus syndrome, known hypersensitivity to drug, Wolf Parkinson White syndrome PRECAUTIONS: dysrhythmias, including blocks, are common at the time of cardioversion, use with caution in patients with asthma SIDE EFFECTS: facial flushing, headache, SOB, dizziness, nausea ROUTE: IV/IO; should be administered directly into a vein or into the medication administration port closest to the patient and followed by flushing of the line with IV fluid ADULT DOSAGE: 6 mg rapid IV bolus over 1-2 seconds, if after 1-2 minutes, cardioversion doesn't occur, administer a 12 mg dose over 1-2 seconds PEDIATRIC DOSAGE: safety in children has not been established Albuterol (Proventil) CLASS: sympathomimetic (Beta 2 selective) ACTIONS: bronchodilation INDICATIONS: asthma, reversible bronchospasm associated with COPD CONTRAINDICATIONS: symptomatic tachycardia, known hypersensitivity to drug PRECAUTIONS: BP, HR, and ECG results should be monitored, use caution in patients with known heart disease SIDE EFFECTS: palpitations, anxiety, headache, dizziness, sweating ROUTE: inhalation (via NEB) ADULT DOSAGE: 0.5 mL (2.5 mg) in 2.5 mL of NaCl over 5-15 mins via NEB PEDIATRIC DOSAGE: 0.15 mg/kg (0.03 mL/kg) in 2.5 mL normal saline via NEB Amiodarone (Cordarone) CLASS: antidysrhythmic ACTIONS: prolongs action potential and refractory period, slows the sinus rate, prolongs PR and QT intervals, decreased peripheral vascular resistance INDICATIONS: life threatening cardiac dysrhythmias such as V-Tach and V-Fib CONTRAINDICATIONS: severe sinus node dysfunction, sinus bradycardia, second and third degree AV block, hemodynamically significant bradycardia PRECAUTIONS: heart failure SIDE EFFECTS: hypotension, nausea, anorexia, malaise/fatigue, tremors, pulmonary toxicity, ventricular ectopic beats ROUTE: IV/IO, PO ADULT DOSAGE: loading dose of 150 mg over 10 mins (15 mg/min), maintenance dose of 1 mg/min for 6 hrs, then 0.5 mg/min until dysrhythmia is controlled or oral therapy begins PEDIATRIC DOSAGE: 5 mg/kg IV/IO, maximum dose of 15 mg/kg Aspirin (ASA) CLASS: platelet inhibitor and anti-inflammatory ACTIONS: inhibits platelet aggregation INDICATIONS: acute onset CP which is suggestive of an MI, signs and symptoms suggestive of recent stroke (CVA) CONTRAINDICATIONS: patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug PRECAUTIONS: GI bleeding and upset stomach SIDE EFFECTS: heartburn, nausea/vomiting, wheezing ROUTE: PO ADULT DOSAGE: 160-324 mg PO PEDIATRIC DOSAGE: not recommended Atropine Sulfate CLASS: parasympatholytic (anticholinergic)