PSA Emergency Prescribing

Question 1

What is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis?

Accepted Answer

Intramuscular adrenaline (epinephrine) 0.5mg (1:1000) into the anterolateral thigh

Answer

Oral antihistamines

Answer

Intravenous steroids

Answer

Inhaled salbutamol

Question 2

What is the emergency treatment for hypoglycemia in a conscious patient?

Accepted Answer

Fast-acting oral glucose such as glucose tablets, juice, or sugar-containing drinks

Answer

Intravenous insulin

Answer

Intramuscular adrenaline

Answer

No treatment needed if the patient is conscious

Question 3

What is the drug treatment for acute asthma?

Accepted Answer

Inhaled salbutamol (short-acting beta-2 agonist) with systemic corticosteroids for moderate-severe attacks

Answer

Only oral antibiotics

Answer

Only oxygen therapy

Answer

No medication is needed for acute asthma

Question 4

What is naloxone used for?

Accepted Answer

Reversing opioid overdose by blocking opioid receptors

Answer

Treating alcohol poisoning

Answer

Reversing benzodiazepine overdose

Answer

Treating paracetamol overdose

Question 5

What is the antidote for paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose?

Accepted Answer

N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which must be given within 8-10 hours for maximum effectiveness

Answer

Naloxone

Answer

Activated charcoal only

Answer

There is no antidote

Question 6

When should activated charcoal be considered for poisoning?

Accepted Answer

Within 1 hour of ingestion of a potentially toxic dose of certain substances

Answer

Any time after poisoning

Answer

Only for adult patients

Answer

Only for specific poisons like iron