Medical Emergencies

Question 1

What drug and is given for anaphylaxis?

Answer 1

Adrenaline

Question 2

What is the mechanism of action of adrenaline?

Answer 2

Stimulates alpha and beta adrenergic receptors causing vasoconstriction and bronchodilation

Question 3

What is the route of administration for adrenaline?

Answer 3

IM injection Z-track technique

Question 4

What is the dosage of adrenaline?

Answer 4

Adults 1:1000 0.5mg (half a ml of the 1ml solution)
Every 5 minutes if necessary
Children 0.15-0.5 dependent on weight

Question 5

What drug is used for suspected MI?

Answer 5

Aspirin dispersible tablets

Question 6

What is the mechanism of action for aspirin?

Answer 6

Inhibits platelet aggregation by irreversibly inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes

Question 7

What is the route of aspirin?

Answer 7

Oral (chewed or dispersed in water)

Question 8

What is the dosage of aspirin?

Answer 8

Adults 300mg
Contraindicated in children under 16

Question 9

What is given for hypoglycaemia when oral glucose is not possible?

Answer 9

Glucagon

Question 10

What is the route of administration for glucagon?

Answer 10

IM injection Z-track

Question 11

What is the mechanism of action of glucagon?

Answer 11

Stimulates hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis which increases blood glucose levels

Question 12

What is the dosage of glucagon?

Answer 12

Adults and children ≥25kg - 1mg
Children ≤25kg - 0.5mg

Question 13

What drug is used to treat angina and suspected MI?

Answer 13

Glycerin trinitrate spray (GTN)

Question 14

What is the mechanism of action of GTN spray?

Answer 14

Vasodilates coronary arteries and reduces myocardial oxygen demand
Reduces preload to the hearts

Question 15

What is the route of administration of GTN spray?

Answer 15

Sublingual spray

Question 16

What is the dosage of GTN spray?

Answer 16

Adults 1-2 sprays - 400-800mcg
Repeat after 5 minutes if necessary

Question 17

What drug is used to treat hypoglycaemia in conscious patients?

Answer 17

Oral glucose - glucose gel, sugary drinks

Question 18

What is the mechanism of action of glucose?

Answer 18

Provides immediate source of glucose for metabolism

Question 19

What is the route of administration of glucose?

Answer 19

Oral

Question 20

What is the dosage of glucose?

Answer 20

Adults and children - 10-20g
Repeat after 10-15 minutes if necessary
Give after pt comes conscious as glycogen stores will be depleted

Question 21

When is oxygen given?

Answer 21

All medical emergencies

Question 22

What dosage of oxygen should be given?

Answer 22

100% oxygen
15L/min

Question 23

What drug is given for asthma?

Answer 23

Salbutamol inhaler

Question 24

What is the mode of action of salbutamol?

Answer 24

B2-adrenergic agonist causing bronchodilation

Question 26

What is the route of administration for a salbutamol inhaler?

Answer 26

Inhalation via spacer

Question 27

What is the dosage for salbutamol?

Answer 27

2 puffs 100mcg actuation each 4 puffs if using spacer Repeat 10-20 minutes if needed

Question 28

What are the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis?

Answer 28

Sudden onset Itchy rash (urticaria) Swelling - face, lips, tongue Difficulty breathing - wheeze, stridor Hypotension, dizziness, collapse Rapid weak pulse Nausea, vomiting

Question 29

What are the signs and symptoms of an asthma attack?

Answer 29

Wheezing Shortness of breath Chest tightness Coughing Difficulty speaking Cyanosis (late sign) Exhaustion

Question 30

What are the signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest

Answer 30

Sudden collapse Unresponsive No normal breathing No pulse Agonal gasps may be present

Question 31

What are the signs and symptoms of MI?

Answer 31

Central chest pain (crushing, tight) Pain may radiate to arm, jaw, neck Sweating Nausea Shortness of breath Pale or grey appearance Anxiety

Question 32

What are the signs and symptoms of hypoglycaemia?

Answer 32

Confusion, irritability Sweating Trembling Palpitations Slurred speech Loss of consciousness May appear drunk or aggressive

Question 33

What are the signs and symptoms of stroke?

Answer 33

Facial drooping on one side Arm weakness Speech disturbance Sudden confusion Loss of coordination or balance

Question 34

What are the signs and symptoms of epileptic seizures?

Answer 34

Sudden collapse - tonic Convulsive jerky movements - clonic Loss of consciousness Drowsiness Confusion

Question 35

What is the acronym for stroke and what does it mean?

Answer 35

FAST Face Arms Speech Time