Question 1

The EMT should consider aspirin for a patient with:

Accepted Answer

Aspirin is commonly used as a treatment for chest discomfort or chest pain, as it can help to prevent blood clots and decrease the risk of a heart attack. It is not typically used for headache, shortness of breath, or fever.

Question 2

Which would be most important when administering aspirin to a patient with chest pain?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring that the patient has an intact gag reflex is most important when administering aspirin to a patient with chest pain. This is because aspirin can cause nausea and vomiting, and if the patient has an impaired gag reflex, they may aspirate vomit into their lungs.

Question 3

The EMT shows she understands the difference between a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and a small-volume nebulizer (SVN) when she states:

Accepted Answer

Option B correctly states the difference between MDI and SVN. An MDI provides medication at once or in one to two breaths, while a small-volume nebulizer delivers medication continuously until it is emptied. Option A is incorrect as both MDI and SVN can use oxygen to administer the medication. Option C is incorrect as both devices require the patient to hold the device in their mouth and inhale. Option D is incorrect as the EMT needs to set up and prepare medication for both devices.

Question 4

Atrovent, if prescribed to the patient, is indicated for what condition?

Accepted Answer

Atrovent is primarily indicated for difficulty breathing, such as in conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and bronchitis. It works by relaxing and widening the air passages, making it easier to breathe. It is not indicated for headache, chest discomfort, nausea, or vomiting.

Question 5

Which one of the following medical emergencies would most likely result in the use of epinephrine by the EMT?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine is commonly used to treat severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, which can be caused by a bee sting. It may also be used in the treatment of asthma, but typically only in certain situations and with specific protocols in place. It is not typically used in the treatment of a cardiac arrest or confusion.

Question 6

Which of the following is the most reliable source for information about a medication?

Accepted Answer

The Physician's Desk Reference (PDR) is a comprehensive and reliable source of information on medications, containing information on dosage, side effects, interactions, and other important information. It is widely used by healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and pharmacists, to ensure safe and effective medication use.

Question 7

Which one of the following best describes why the EMT administers or assists with the administration of medications?

Accepted Answer

The EMT administers or assists with the administration of medications to stabilize a patient's medical condition. It is a critical aspect of the EMT's care to ensure the patient's condition does not deteriorate en route to the hospital.

Question 8

What statement, made by the EMT, shows an understanding of medication administration and drug dosages?

Accepted Answer

The EMT recognizes that the proper dose of a medication should be administered unless otherwise instructed by medical command, indicating an understanding of medication administration and drug dosages. Options A and D are incorrect because administering less than the required dose or increasing the dose without medical order can be dangerous and ineffective. Option B is incorrect because increasing the dose of a medication without medical order can be harmful to the patient.

Question 9

You have administered Xopenex to a patient, using a small-volume nebulizer. You then notify medical direction that you have administered the drug. This is an example of which type of medical control?

Accepted Answer

Off-line medical control refers to protocols or standing orders that allow EMTs to administer medications without direct communication with a physician at the time of treatment.

Question 10

Which of the following is the best indication for the administration of oral glucose to a diabetic patient?

Accepted Answer

Oral glucose is administered to diabetic patients who have low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). It is used as a quick source of energy to raise blood sugar levels back to normal. Chest pain, diabetic history, and headache are not indications for administering oral glucose.

Question 11

A beta₂ medication benefits a patient by:

Accepted Answer

Beta₂ medications are bronchodilators that work by relaxing the muscles in the small airways of the lungs, allowing more air to flow through them. This helps to relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Diminishing the need for oxygen (A) is not a direct benefit of beta₂ medication. Slowing the respiratory and heart rate (B) may be a side effect of some medications, but it is not the primary benefit of the beta₂ agonists. Eliminating chest pain (C) is not a benefit of beta₂ medication as it is not used to treat chest pain.

Question 12

A 66-year-old male is complaining of chest pain. The EMT is considering assisting with the patient's prescribed nitroglycerin. Which one of the following patient statements is most relevant to the EMT at this time?

Accepted Answer

The statement about being treated by a urologist for sexual problems is most relevant because medications for erectile dysfunction (such as sildenafil, tadalafil) can cause severe interactions with nitroglycerin, leading to dangerous drops in blood pressure.

Question 13

A patient with a cardiac history complains of chest pain. He already took four baby aspirins and medical direction has given you the go ahead to assist the patient with his nitroglycerin. After administering nitroglycerin to the patient, he complains of a headache. Which of the following is appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Headaches are an unwanted side effect of nitroglycerin, and they usually resolve within a few minutes. Thus, stopping the administration of nitroglycerin is not warranted. However, if the headache lasts for more than a few minutes or is severe, the patient should be monitored closely for further complications.

Question 14

The route by which the EMT would administer epinephrine would be:

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine is typically administered via intramuscular injection, meaning it is injected into a muscle such as the thigh. This allows for rapid absorption and effectiveness. Oral, sublingual, and topical routes of administration are not typically used for epinephrine as they are less effective and may have slower onset times.

Question 15

Activated charcoal is supplied in what form?

Accepted Answer

Activated charcoal is commonly supplied in the form of a suspension, which is a liquid mixture that allows for easier administration and absorption in cases of poisoning or overdose.

Question 16

After assisting a patient using his metered-dose inhaler, the patient's son asks why his father cannot take the medication in the form of a pill. Which one of the following responses is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Medications that are taken as inhalers are designed to go directly into the lungs, where they can work quickly and effectively. These medications act locally on the airways and do not need to be absorbed into the bloodstream first, which is why they work faster than pills. Explaining this to the patient's son is the most appropriate response. Option A is incorrect because it does not answer the patient's question, and option C is incorrect because not all medications can be taken sublingually. Option D is also incorrect because there are several medications for asthma that come in pill form, but they may not be suitable for all patients.

Question 17

When reviewing a prehospital care report, you note that a patient received nitroglycerin sublingually. As an EMT, you should recognize that the medication was a:

Accepted Answer

Nitroglycerin is commonly administered sublingually, which means it is placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve. This method allows for rapid absorption and effect of the medication.

Question 18

Which one of the following medications would the EMT administer orally?

Accepted Answer

Aspirin can be administered orally in tablet form. Nitroglycerin is typically administered sublingually (under the tongue), albuterol is administered via inhalation, and epinephrine can be administered via injection or auto-injection.

Quiz 14: Pharmacology Medication and Administration