Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) AEMT
Protocol Study Guide | Advanced Emergency Medical
Technician, Prehospital Protocols, Emergency Care,
Patient Assessment | Q&A with Rationales
Exam Structure:
Subject: Emergency Medical Services (EMS) / Advanced Emergency Medical
Technician (AEMT) Protocols
Source: Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) AEMT Protocol
Format: Question & Answer with Rationales
1. What is Acetylsalicylic Acid?
Correct Answer: Aspirin
Rationale:
1. Acetylsalicylic acid is the generic name for the medication commonly
known as aspirin.
2. This is a standard medication identification question frequently tested in
EMS protocols.
2. What is the medication class of Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin)?
Correct Answer: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID)
Rationale:
1. Aspirin belongs to the NSAID class of medications.
2. NSAIDs work by reducing inflammation, pain, and fever.
3. Understanding drug class helps predict mechanism of action and side
effects.
3. What is the action of Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin)?
Correct Answer: Platelet inhibition
Rationale:
1. Aspirin irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes.
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2. This reduces thromboxane A2 production, preventing platelet aggregation.
3. Platelet inhibition is why aspirin is critical in acute coronary syndrome
(ACS).
4. What is the dose of Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin) for adults and
pediatrics?
Correct Answer:
Adult: 324mg PO (81mg tablets x 4)
Pediatric: not recommended for use
Rationale:
1. Adult dosing is typically four 81mg baby aspirin tablets chewed.
2. Chewing allows faster absorption through buccal mucosa.
3. Aspirin is not recommended for pediatric patients due to Reye’s syndrome
risk.
5. What is the route of administration for Acetylsalicylic Acid
(Aspirin)?
Correct Answer: PO - Chew and swallow
Rationale:
1. PO stands for oral administration.
2. Chewing accelerates absorption compared to swallowing whole.
3. Rapid absorption is essential for suspected myocardial infarction.
6. What are the contraindications for Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin)?
Correct Answer: Allergy to aspirin
Rationale:
1. Allergy can cause anaphylaxis, bronchospasm, or urticaria.
2. Aspirin is also relatively contraindicated in active bleeding or children.
3. Always screen for allergy before administration.
7. What are the adverse reactions of Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin)?
Correct Answer: None
Rationale:
1. This refers to common adverse reactions listed in this protocol.
2. In reality, aspirin can cause GI bleeding, tinnitus, and Reye’s syndrome in
children.
3. The protocol simplifies this as “none” for exam purposes.
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8. What is the medication class of Activated charcoal?
Correct Answer: Adsorbent
Rationale:
1. Adsorbents bind toxins in the GI tract.
2. This prevents systemic absorption of poisons.
3. Activated charcoal is the most common adsorbent in EMS.
9. What is the action of Activated charcoal?
Correct Answer: Inhibits gastrointestinal absorption of toxic substances
Rationale:
1. Activated charcoal has a large surface area that binds toxins.
2. It reduces absorption by preventing toxins from crossing the intestinal wall.
3. It is most effective within one hour of ingestion.
10. What is the dose of Activated charcoal for adults and pediatrics?
Correct Answer:
Adult: 50gm PO
Pediatric: 1gm/kg PO; minimum dose 10gm; maximum dose 50gm
Rationale:
1. Adult dose is fixed at 50 grams.
2. Pediatric dose is weight-based for accuracy.
3. Maximum dose prevents overadministration in small children.
11. What is the route of administration for Activated charcoal?
Correct Answer: PO
Rationale:
1. PO means oral administration.
2. It can be given via nasogastric tube if patient cannot swallow safely.
3. Must be given only if airway is protected.
12. What are the contraindications for Activated charcoal?
Correct Answer: Altered mental status; ingestion of acid, alkalis, or
petroleum distillate; an inability to swallow; previous administration of an
emetic
Rationale:
1. Altered mental status increases aspiration risk.
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2. Acid/alkali ingestion may cause perforation if charcoal is given.
3. Petroleum distillates are poorly absorbed by charcoal and increase
aspiration risk.
4. Emetics like ipecac cause vomiting, making charcoal ineffective.
13. What are the adverse reactions of Activated charcoal?
Correct Answer: Nausea, Vomiting
Rationale:
1. The gritty texture and taste often cause nausea.
2. Vomiting can lead to aspiration, especially in altered patients.
3. Antiemetics may be needed if vomiting occurs.
14. What is the brand name for Albuterol?
Correct Answer: Proventil
Rationale:
1. Albuterol is the generic name; Proventil is one common brand.
2. Other brands include Ventolin and ProAir.
3. Brand-name recognition helps in medication verification.
15. What is the medication class of Albuterol (Proventil)?
Correct Answer: Sympathomimetic
Rationale:
1. Sympathomimetics mimic the sympathetic nervous system.
2. Albuterol is a beta-2 adrenergic agonist.
3. This class causes bronchodilation and increased heart rate.
16. What is the action of Albuterol (Proventil)?
Correct Answer: Bronchodilator
Rationale:
1. Albuterol relaxes bronchial smooth muscle.
2. It improves airflow in asthma and COPD.
3. Onset is rapid, usually within 5-15 minutes.
17. What is the dose of Albuterol (Proventil) for adults and pediatrics?
Correct Answer: Both adults and pediatrics: 2.5 mg and 3 mL SVN, repeat
until improved