Emt Pharmacology Practice Exam

Question 1 Emt Pharmacology

Name a third contraindication to nitroglycerin.

Head injury or suspected increased intracranial pressure. Yes, nebulized albuterol is a common alternative delivery method. Treat depression/anxiety by increasing serotonin availability in the brain. No, without a prescription or protocol/medical direction it should not be assisted with by an EMT.

Question 2 Emt Pharmacology

What is the mechanism of action of aspirin in ACS?

To ensure appropriate use and legal authorization under the EMT's scope of practice. It inhibits platelet aggregation (antiplatelet effect), reducing clot propagation. Known aspirin allergy. Head injury or suspected increased intracranial pressure.

Question 3 Emt Pharmacology

What does "duration of action" mean?

Sitting or supine, to reduce fall risk from hypotension. Suspected right ventricular (inferior wall) myocardial infarction. Treat anxiety, seizures, or insomnia by enhancing GABA activity as a CNS depressant. The length of time a drug remains effective.

Question 4 Emt Pharmacology

What EMS emergency can result from too much insulin relative to food or activity?

Hypotension (SBP < 100 mmHg, or per protocol threshold). Hypoglycemia. Yes, nebulized albuterol is a common alternative delivery method. No, it does not effectively bind certain substances like metals, iron, lithium, and alcohols.

Question 5 Emt Pharmacology

Should aspirin be withheld if the patient is already on a daily aspirin regimen?

To avoid triggering an allergic or anaphylactic reaction. Lower blood glucose in type 2 diabetes management. Reduces myocardial oxygen demand by decreasing preload and dilating coronary arteries. No, additional aspirin is still generally given per protocol unless contraindicated.

Question 6 Emt Pharmacology

What is the goal of giving aspirin early in suspected MI?

Oxygen, oral glucose, aspirin, and (per protocol) activated charcoal. To reduce mortality by limiting clot formation/propagation in coronary arteries. The pathway by which a drug enters the body (e.g., oral, IM, sublingual). Yes, but total dose should be considered per protocol/medical direction.

Question 7 Emt Pharmacology

What is a risk if activated charcoal is aspirated?

0.3 mg IM. Active GI bleeding or a bleeding disorder. Aspiration pneumonitis. Known hypersensitivity/allergy to naloxone (rare); otherwise minimal contraindications.

Question 8 Emt Pharmacology

What is the indication for nitroglycerin administration?

Intranasal (IN) is most common for EMT-Basics; also IM, per protocol/scope. Bronchospasm/wheezing associated with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory distress. Standing/sitting upright suddenly; prefer supine with legs elevated if tolerated. Suspected cardiac chest pain/angina with a prescribed history and adequate blood pressure.

Question 9 Emt Pharmacology

What flow rate is used with a non-rebreather mask?

Hypotension (SBP < 100 mmHg, or per protocol threshold). 10-15 L/min (enough to keep the reservoir bag inflated). Active GI bleeding or a bleeding disorder. A condition or situation in which a drug should NOT be given.

Question 10 Emt Pharmacology

What minimum systolic blood pressure is commonly required before giving nitroglycerin?

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Generally at least 100-110 mmHg, per local protocol. Aspiration pneumonitis. 0.4 mg (1 tablet or 1 spray).

Question 11 Emt Pharmacology

What should an EMT expect after administering naloxone to an opioid-dependent patient?

Possible sudden agitation, combativeness, or withdrawal symptoms as consciousness returns. 15 L/min or higher, often with a reservoir attached. Because appropriateness depends on the specific poison ingested and timing. Treat anxiety, seizures, or insomnia by enhancing GABA activity as a CNS depressant.

Question 12 Emt Pharmacology

Name a contraindication to assisting with albuterol MDI.

Black stools; possible vomiting. Manage psychotic symptoms/schizophrenia or severe agitation by blocking dopamine receptors. Patient unable to inhale/coordinate use, or no physician prescription for the patient. Inhalation/nebulized.

Question 13 Emt Pharmacology

What brand name is commonly associated with naloxone nasal spray?

No Known Drug Allergies. Treat hypertension, angina, and arrhythmias by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors. Narcan. Oral.

Question 14 Emt Pharmacology

What position should a patient be in after receiving nitroglycerin?

It adsorbs certain toxins/drugs in the GI tract, preventing systemic absorption. Sitting or supine, to reduce fall risk from hypotension. A severe, life-threatening systemic allergic reaction. 0.3 mg IM.

Question 15 Emt Pharmacology

What is the indication for oral glucose administration?

Intranasal (IN) is most common for EMT-Basics; also IM, per protocol/scope. Suspected hypoglycemia in a conscious patient able to swallow/protect airway. It provides a rapidly absorbed simple sugar to raise blood glucose levels. Standing/sitting upright suddenly; prefer supine with legs elevated if tolerated.

Question 16 Emt Pharmacology

What is the route of administration for aspirin in EMS?

Airway management and ventilatory support (BVM); naloxone doesn't replace airway care. Below 60-70 mg/dL (per local protocol). Oral, chewed rather than swallowed whole, for faster absorption. 0.4 mg (1 tablet or 1 spray).

Question 17 Emt Pharmacology

What side effect might oral glucose cause?

Approximately 25-50 g (1 g/kg) mixed as a slurry. Generally minimal; possible nausea. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Aspiration pneumonitis.

Question 18 Emt Pharmacology

What must be true of a patient's mental status before giving activated charcoal?

The patient must be awake, alert, and able to protect their airway. It does not bind these substances well and can obscure endoscopic evaluation of burns. It is prescribed to the patient and the patient is exhibiting anaphylaxis symptoms. Generally minimal; possible nausea.

Question 19 Emt Pharmacology

What assessment finding might make an EMT hold aspirin administration?

Support airway and breathing (ventilation) as needed. Signs of active bleeding or a clear allergy history. Prevent or control seizures. Lower blood glucose by facilitating cellular glucose uptake in diabetic patients.

Question 20 Emt Pharmacology

What is the maximum number of nitroglycerin doses an EMT can typically assist with?

Hypoglycemia. Asthma exacerbation. Up to 3 doses total, 5 minutes apart, per protocol/medical direction. The combination can cause severe, profound hypotension.

Question 21 Emt Pharmacology

What is the indication for epinephrine auto-injector use?

To avoid triggering an allergic or anaphylactic reaction. Treat anxiety, seizures, or insomnia by enhancing GABA activity as a CNS depressant. Anaphylaxis or severe allergic reaction. 160-325 mg chewed (commonly four 81 mg baby aspirin).

Question 22 Emt Pharmacology

If a patient's chest pain is unrelieved after nitroglycerin, what should the EMT suspect?

In their original dark glass container, protected from light, heat, and moisture. Yes, many EMS systems have removed it from EMT scope due to limited prehospital benefit evidence. Vasoconstriction, raising blood pressure and reducing swelling/edema. Possible ongoing myocardial infarction requiring further ALS/hospital care.

Question 23 Emt Pharmacology

Name a contraindication to aspirin administration.

Within 2-5 minutes. Known hypersensitivity/allergy to naloxone (rare); otherwise minimal contraindications. A substance that binds to a receptor and activates it, producing a biological response. Known aspirin allergy.

Question 24 Emt Pharmacology

What population increasingly carries naloxone for bystander use?

A condition or situation in which a drug should NOT be given. Continue monitoring ABCs, prepare for further doses, and transport promptly. No, it should be administered sublingually, not swallowed. Family/friends of opioid users and community members via take-home naloxone programs.

Question 25 Emt Pharmacology

What is the medication classification of oxygen?

Headache, hypotension, dizziness, or flushing. Naloxone's duration of action is shorter than many opioids, so re-sedation can occur. Certain oral poisonings/overdoses, per medical direction and toxin type. A gas classified as a medication; administered for hypoxia.

Question 26 Emt Pharmacology

What side effect is common with activated charcoal?

Do not give oral glucose; secure the airway and transport (IV dextrose per ALS if available). Oral, chewed rather than swallowed whole, for faster absorption. No, it does not effectively bind certain substances like metals, iron, lithium, and alcohols. Black stools; possible vomiting.

Question 27 Emt Pharmacology

Why is activated charcoal not given for acid or alkali (caustic) ingestions?

Significantly increased risk of respiratory depression. A handheld device that delivers a measured dose of aerosolized medication to the lungs. Suspected hypoglycemia in a conscious patient able to swallow/protect airway. It does not bind these substances well and can obscure endoscopic evaluation of burns.

Question 28 Emt Pharmacology

What effect does nitroglycerin have on blood pressure?

Lowers blood pressure due to vasodilation. Sitting or supine, to reduce fall risk from hypotension. An unintended, usually undesired, effect of a medication at normal dosing. Increased bleeding risk, including risk of significant intracranial hemorrhage after head trauma.

Question 29 Emt Pharmacology

Should oxygen ever be withheld from a hypoxic patient in EMS?

0.15 mg IM. No, oxygen should not be withheld from a patient who needs it due to hypoxia. Oral, chewed rather than swallowed whole, for faster absorption. A persistent dry cough; rarely angioedema.

Question 30 Emt Pharmacology

What is the primary contraindication to activated charcoal?

For faster mucosal absorption and reduced aspiration risk in a marginally alert patient. Bronchospasm/wheezing associated with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory distress. Treat hypertension, angina, and arrhythmias by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors. Altered mental status/inability to protect airway, or ingestion of acids, alkalis, or hydrocarbons.

Question 31 Emt Pharmacology

What device delivers approximately 24-44% oxygen at 1-6 L/min?

Bronchospasm/wheezing associated with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory distress. Bag-valve mask (BVM). Nasal cannula. It is an opioid antagonist that reverses opioid effects by competing for opioid receptors.

Question 32 Emt Pharmacology

What common side effect is associated with ACE inhibitors that EMTs should recognize?

A persistent dry cough; rarely angioedema. Within about 1 hour of ingestion. Lower blood glucose by facilitating cellular glucose uptake in diabetic patients. A spring-loaded syringe device that delivers a premeasured dose of medication through clothing/skin.

Question 33 Emt Pharmacology

Define "side effect."

Possible ongoing myocardial infarction requiring further ALS/hospital care. Active GI bleeding or a bleeding disorder. It inhibits platelet aggregation (antiplatelet effect), reducing clot propagation. An unintended, usually undesired, effect of a medication at normal dosing.

Question 34 Emt Pharmacology

What is the purpose of antidepressants, such as SSRIs like sertraline?

Treat depression/anxiety by increasing serotonin availability in the brain. Bronchospasm/wheezing associated with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory distress. Known hypersensitivity/allergy to naloxone (rare); otherwise minimal contraindications. Support airway and breathing (ventilation) as needed.

Question 35 Emt Pharmacology

Can naloxone be given IM by auto-injector device?

Yes, devices like Evzio deliver IM naloxone. Intranasal (IN) is most common for EMT-Basics; also IM, per protocol/scope. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). To ensure the medication is evenly mixed/suspended for accurate dosing.

Question 36 Emt Pharmacology

What is the mechanism of action of nitroglycerin?

It does not bind these substances well and can obscure endoscopic evaluation of burns. The pathway by which a drug enters the body (e.g., oral, IM, sublingual). Vasodilation of blood vessels, reducing cardiac preload and myocardial oxygen demand. To avoid triggering an allergic or anaphylactic reaction.

Question 37 Emt Pharmacology

Define "untoward effect."

Black stools; possible vomiting. Alpha and beta adrenergic stimulation causing vasoconstriction, bronchodilation, and increased cardiac output. 4 mg per spray (one spray per nostril, e.g., Narcan Nasal Spray). An unexpected or dangerous side effect of a medication.

Question 38 Emt Pharmacology

What are signs/symptoms of anaphylaxis requiring epinephrine?

Risk of vomiting and aspiration causing chemical pneumonitis, with limited benefit. Pre-approved protocols allowing treatment without direct physician contact at the time of care. Exhale fully, seal lips around mouthpiece, inhale deeply while pressing canister, hold breath about 10 seconds. Hives, swelling, difficulty breathing/wheezing, hypotension, and throat tightness.

Question 39 Emt Pharmacology

What is the purpose of oral hypoglycemic agents, such as metformin or glipizide?

Bronchodilator (short-acting beta-2 agonist, SABA). Family/friends of opioid users and community members via take-home naloxone programs. Lower blood glucose in type 2 diabetes management. It provides a rapidly absorbed simple sugar to raise blood glucose levels.

Question 40 Emt Pharmacology

Why might a second dose of epinephrine be needed?

Active GI bleeding or a bleeding disorder. Its effects are short-lived (10-20 minutes) and symptoms can recur or persist. Nitroglycerin, epinephrine auto-injector, and metered-dose inhaler (albuterol). Altered mental status/inability to protect airway, or ingestion of acids, alkalis, or hydrocarbons.

Question 41 Emt Pharmacology

Why might albuterol be less effective if inhalation technique is poor?

It is prescribed to the patient and appropriate for their current symptoms. Poor technique reduces drug delivery to the lower airways. Suspected opioid overdose with respiratory depression. It inhibits platelet aggregation (antiplatelet effect), reducing clot propagation.

Question 42 Emt Pharmacology

What is a "metered-dose inhaler (MDI)"?

Increased bleeding risk, including risk of significant intracranial hemorrhage after head trauma. An unintended, usually undesired, effect of a medication at normal dosing. A handheld device that delivers a measured dose of aerosolized medication to the lungs. Bronchodilator (short-acting beta-2 agonist, SABA).

Question 43 Emt Pharmacology

What is the purpose of antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine?

Black stools; possible vomiting. Blood pressure. Block histamine receptors to relieve allergic symptoms. Headache, hypotension, dizziness, or flushing.

Question 44 Emt Pharmacology

What time interval is often used between repeat albuterol doses in EMS protocols?

A handheld device that delivers a measured dose of aerosolized medication to the lungs. Every 5-20 minutes as needed, per local protocol. Respiratory depression/apnea, pinpoint pupils, and decreased level of consciousness. Manage psychotic symptoms/schizophrenia or severe agitation by blocking dopamine receptors.

Question 45 Emt Pharmacology

What is the purpose of shaking an MDI canister before use?

To ensure the medication is evenly mixed/suspended for accurate dosing. The combination can cause severe, profound hypotension. None absolute in true anaphylaxis; it is life-saving and should be given. Lower cholesterol/LDL to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

Question 46 Emt Pharmacology

Name the route: drug sprayed or inhaled into the lungs.

Inhalation/nebulized. Transport it with the patient to the hospital and note the time given. Poor technique reduces drug delivery to the lower airways. A severe, life-threatening systemic allergic reaction.

Question 47 Emt Pharmacology

What electrolyte imbalance is a concern with diuretic use?

Bag-valve mask (BVM). Hypokalemia (low potassium). A spring-loaded syringe device that delivers a premeasured dose of medication through clothing/skin. 0.4 mg (1 tablet or 1 spray).

Question 48 Emt Pharmacology

What is an "auto-injector"?

Yes, per protocol/medical direction if symptoms do not improve or recur. The lateral mid-thigh. A spring-loaded syringe device that delivers a premeasured dose of medication through clothing/skin. Vasoconstriction, raising blood pressure and reducing swelling/edema.

Question 49 Emt Pharmacology

What mnemonic is often used for early cardiac chest pain care that includes aspirin?

No, it specifically reverses opioid effects only. Maintain airway patency in COPD/asthma by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle. Every 5-20 minutes as needed, per local protocol. MONA: Morphine, Oxygen, Nitroglycerin, Aspirin (morphine is ALS-only).

Question 50 Emt Pharmacology

What is the indication for naloxone administration?

Yes, most auto-injectors can be administered through light clothing. Suspected opioid overdose with respiratory depression. Every 5-20 minutes as needed, per local protocol. Blood pressure.