EMC Medications

Adenosine given for (including confirmation and bpm):

SVT (Supraventricular Tachycardia) AKA Narrow Complex Tachycardia confirmed with EKG of HR of 150-250 bpm

Adenosine Tx Order

1) Initiate Valsalve Maneuver (bear down like you’re trying to poop or blow a marble through a straw)

2) Administer Adenosine IVP closest to the heart (arm) with a rapid saline flush

3) Cardiovert (shock)

Amiodarone Classification

A disrhythmic (stops heart for a few seconds so HR can reset to normal rhythm)

Amiodarone Cardia Arrest Rhythms (including descriptions)

V-Tach (“tombstones, which is where you’re going”) & V-Fib (jello wiggles)

Amiodarone Route

IV generally, but also IO

Nitroglycerin given for:

chest pain

Nitroglycerin Classification (Hint: Think hand gestures)

Vasodilator (dilates blood vessels throughout the body)

Nitroglycerin Route

PO with sublingual (under the tongue) powder or spray

Nitroglycerin Contraindications

1) If systolic (top) BP is below 100

2) If on male enhancement drugs

3) If 3 doses have already been taken in the last 15 minutes

Epinephrine given for:

Severe hypotension (low BP), anaphylaxis, or certain cardia arrest rhythms

Epinephrine Cardiac Arrest Rhythms

V-Tach, V-Fib, and Asystole (flatline)

Epinephrine Routes

IVP, IO, or IM for anaphylaxis

IVP or IO for cardiac arrest rhythms

IVP for hypotension

Dextrose given for (including blood sugar level):

Diabetic patients who are hypoglycemic (low blood sugar = <80mg/dl) when Glucose cannot be taken safely

Dextrose Route

IV, IVP, or IO

Glucose given for

Diabetic patients who are hypoglycemic (low blood sugar = <80mg/dl) when they are LOC x 4 (so it’s not a choking hazard)

Glucose Route

PO (tablets, cubes, or liquid)

Naloxone given for (including signs):

Suspected opiate (morphine, oxycontin, heroin, fentanyl, opana) use characterized by low (<12) respirations per minute and pinpoint pupils

Naloxone Route

IM, IN, or IVP

Fentanyl given for (including examples and qualifications):

Serious pain management (eye injuries, burns, amputations, impaled objects, and crushing injuries) and a rating of 7+ on a 1-10 pain scale

Fentanyl Route

IV, IM, or IN

Odansetron (zofran) given for:

N/V control (morning sickness, food & drink reactions, chemotherapy reactions) that’s generally a safe medication

Odansetron Route

ODT (orally dissolved tablet) that’s generally sublingual (under the tongue) of up to 8mg, or IV

Midazolam given for:

prolonged seizure activity

Midazolam Route

IV, IN, IM

Albuterol given for:

asthma, crushing injuries, or bronchspasms

Albuterol Classification 

Bronchial dilator

Albuterol Route

Nubulized with non-rebreather mask or given as inhaler

Atropine given for:

Organophosphate poisoning (weapons of mass destruction effects) or deteriorating bradycardia (slow heart rate)

Atropine Route

Autoinjector for suspected WMD exposure (IVP or IM)