Paramedics Exam Pharmacology and Medication Administration 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient in anaphylaxis weighing 80 kg receives epinephrine 1:1,000 IM. What is the correct adult dose?
- 0.1 mg
- 0.3 mg (Correct answer)
- 1.0 mg
- 3.0 mg
Correct answer: 0.3 mg
The standard adult IM dose of epinephrine 1:1,000 for anaphylaxis is 0.3 mg (0.3 mL).
Question 2: Which medication classification does adenosine belong to?
- Beta-blocker
- Calcium channel blocker
- Antiarrhythmic (Class V) (Correct answer)
- ACE inhibitor
Correct answer: Antiarrhythmic (Class V)
Adenosine is classified as a Class V antiarrhythmic that works by slowing conduction through the AV node.
Question 3: A paramedic administers an IV medication too rapidly and the patient develops phlebitis. This is an example of which adverse drug effect?
- Allergic reaction
- Idiosyncratic reaction
- Local tissue irritation (Correct answer)
- Cumulative toxicity
Correct answer: Local tissue irritation
Phlebitis from rapid IV administration is a local tissue irritation caused by the drug's chemical properties or infusion rate.
Question 4: What is the primary mechanism of action of furosemide (Lasix)?
- Blocks aldosterone receptors in the collecting duct
- Inhibits sodium-potassium-chloride cotransport in the loop of Henle (Correct answer)
- Increases ADH secretion from the posterior pituitary
- Blocks carbonic anhydrase in the proximal tubule
Correct answer: Inhibits sodium-potassium-chloride cotransport in the loop of Henle
Furosemide inhibits the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, producing diuresis.
Question 5: When administering medications via the IO route, which consideration is most important?
- Doses must be halved compared to IV doses
- Medications should be flushed with saline after administration (Correct answer)
- IO access is only appropriate for unconscious patients
- Lipid-soluble drugs cannot be given via IO
Correct answer: Medications should be flushed with saline after administration
IO medications must be flushed with 5–10 mL of normal saline to ensure delivery into the central circulation.
Question 6: A patient on MAO inhibitors receives meperidine in the field. What life-threatening reaction can occur?
- Serotonin syndrome (Correct answer)
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- Malignant hyperthermia
- Anticholinergic toxidrome
Correct answer: Serotonin syndrome
Meperidine combined with MAO inhibitors can cause serotonin syndrome, presenting with hyperthermia, agitation, and clonus.
Question 7: Which pharmacokinetic phase involves the conversion of a drug to a more water-soluble form for elimination?
- Absorption
- Distribution
- Metabolism (Correct answer)
- Excretion
Correct answer: Metabolism
Metabolism (biotransformation), primarily in the liver, converts drugs into metabolites that are more easily excreted.
Paramedics Exam Pharmacology and Medication Administration 2
A patient in anaphylaxis weighing 80 kg receives epinephrine 1:1,000 IM.
What is the correct adult dose?