Essential Medical Emergency Medications Guide

1. Oxygen • Required by all cells of the body • Administered as a gas for inhalation • Ignites easily, requiring caution near sources of ignition

2. Activated Charcoal • Suspension used to absorb ingested poisons • Often combined with a laxative • Administered orally as a suspension

3. Oral Glucose • Glucose is used by cells for energy. • Patients with low blood glucose are hypoglycemic. • It is administered orally as a gel.

4. Aspirin • Reduces pain • Reduces fever • Reduces inflammation • Cardiac uses

5. Assisted-Administration Medications

6. Epinephrine • Increases heart rate and blood pressure and decreases muscle tone of bronchi • Eases breathing problems in asthma or allergic reactions • May be delivered by MDI, SC, or IM

7. Administering Epinephrineby Injection • Sterilize skin. • Insert needle and draw plunger back. • Inject medication. • Dispose of needle.

8. Metered-Dose Inhaler • Medication should be delivered as the patient is inhaling. • Device may include spacer.

9. Nitroglycerin • Increases blood flow by relieving spasms and causing arteries to dilate • May decrease blood pressure • Available in tablet or spray

10. General Steps to Administer Medications (1 of 2) • Obtain orders from medical control. • Verify proper medication and prescription. • Verify form, dose, and route of the medication. • Check expiration date and condition of the medication.

11. General Steps to Administer Medications (2 of 2) • Reassess vital signs, especially heart rate and blood pressure, at least every 5 minutes or as the patient’s condition changes. • Document

12. Patient Medications • Clue you in to patient conditions • Especially helpful when patient has altered mental status • Include over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements