PCP Pharmacology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Albuterol (salbutamol) works primarily by:
- Blocking muscarinic receptors in the bronchi
- Stimulating beta-2 receptors causing bronchodilation (Correct answer)
- Inhibiting mast cell degranulation
- Reducing airway inflammation
Correct answer: Stimulating beta-2 receptors causing bronchodilation
Albuterol is a beta-2 adrenergic agonist that relaxes bronchial smooth muscle, producing bronchodilation.
Question 2: Oral glucose (e.g., glucose paste) is indicated for a patient who is:
- Unconscious with confirmed hypoglycemia
- Conscious with confirmed hypoglycemia and able to swallow (Correct answer)
- Unconscious with unknown blood glucose
- Hyperglycemic and diaphoretic
Correct answer: Conscious with confirmed hypoglycemia and able to swallow
Oral glucose is only safe for conscious patients who can swallow and protect their airway to prevent aspiration.
Question 3: The antidote for benzodiazepine overdose is:
- Naloxone
- Atropine
- Flumazenil (Correct answer)
- Physostigmine
Correct answer: Flumazenil
Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist used to reverse benzodiazepine sedation.
Question 4: Atropine is used in prehospital care primarily to treat:
- Tachycardia and hypertension
- Symptomatic bradycardia (Correct answer)
- Ventricular fibrillation
- Hypoglycemia
Correct answer: Symptomatic bradycardia
Atropine is an anticholinergic agent that increases heart rate by blocking vagal tone, used for symptomatic bradycardia.
Question 5: Which route of administration provides the fastest onset of drug action?
- Oral (PO)
- Subcutaneous (SQ)
- Intramuscular (IM)
- Intravenous (IV) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Intravenous (IV)
Intravenous administration delivers the drug directly into the bloodstream, providing the fastest onset of action.
Question 6: A patient with an organophosphate poisoning would benefit most from which medication?
- Naloxone
- Epinephrine
- Atropine (Correct answer)
- Activated charcoal
Correct answer: Atropine
Atropine blocks excessive muscarinic stimulation caused by organophosphate inhibition of acetylcholinesterase.
PCP Pharmacology 2
Albuterol (salbutamol) works primarily by: