EFMB EFMB Pharmacology & Medications 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of administering morphine sulfate in a combat casualty?
- To induce unconsciousness
- To manage severe pain while maintaining airway reflexes (Correct answer)
- To treat infection at the wound site
- To increase blood pressure in shock
Correct answer: To manage severe pain while maintaining airway reflexes
Morphine sulfate is used for pain management in combat casualties because it controls severe pain while generally preserving airway protective reflexes.
Question 2: Which IV fluid is considered the first-line resuscitation fluid for hemorrhagic shock in the field?
- Dextrose 5% in water (D5W)
- Normal saline (0.9% NaCl)
- Lactated Ringer's solution (Correct answer)
- Sterile water for injection
Correct answer: Lactated Ringer's solution
Lactated Ringer's solution closely mimics the electrolyte composition of plasma and is preferred over normal saline for hemorrhagic shock resuscitation.
Question 3: What is the correct dosage of oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC) used in Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC)?
- 400 mcg lozenge placed in the cheek (Correct answer)
- 800 mcg lozenge placed under the tongue
- 200 mcg lozenge swallowed whole
- 100 mcg lozenge dissolved in water
Correct answer: 400 mcg lozenge placed in the cheek
TCCC guidelines call for a 400 mcg OTFC lozenge placed between the cheek and gum for absorption through the oral mucosa.
Question 4: Which medication is used to treat organophosphate (nerve agent) poisoning and is found in the MARK 1 autoinjector kit?
- Epinephrine and diphenhydramine
- Atropine and pralidoxime chloride (2-PAM Cl) (Correct answer)
- Morphine and naloxone
- Diazepam and midazolam
Correct answer: Atropine and pralidoxime chloride (2-PAM Cl)
The MARK 1 autoinjector contains atropine to counteract muscarinic effects and pralidoxime chloride (2-PAM Cl) to reactivate acetylcholinesterase inhibited by nerve agents.
Question 5: What antibiotic is recommended by TCCC guidelines for penetrating abdominal trauma to prevent infection?
- Ciprofloxacin
- Moxifloxacin (Correct answer)
- Amoxicillin-clavulanate
- Doxycycline
Correct answer: Moxifloxacin
Moxifloxacin is the TCCC-recommended oral antibiotic for combat wounds including penetrating abdominal trauma due to its broad-spectrum coverage.
Question 6: Tranexamic acid (TXA) must be administered within how many hours of injury to be effective in trauma patients?
- 1 hour
- 2 hours
- 3 hours (Correct answer)
- 6 hours
Correct answer: 3 hours
TXA is most effective when given within 3 hours of injury; after this window, it may actually increase mortality in trauma patients.
EFMB EFMB Pharmacology & Medications 1
What is the primary purpose of administering morphine sulfate in a combat casualty?